Abraham Hawthorne

Abraham Hawthorne transitioned to his heavenly home on May 17, 2025, at approximately 6:30 am at a private facility. Abraham was a resolute husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He understood the assignment of provider and protector and fulfilled his duty admirably.

He was born in Noxapater, Mississippi, and the family later moved to Mount Vernon, Illinois where he met the love of his life Flora Jean Wright. There was an instant connection between the teenagers, and they married immediately after high school. Their loving marriage continued to grow for 64 wonderful years. He is now reunited with his bride, and that is where he always wanted to be.

They moved to Chicago in 1962 for a better opportunity for their growing family. Abraham worked for the Chicago Police Department full-time and worked part-time on the B&O Railroad. Jean worked for the Office of Personnel Management. While they were able to adequately provide for their family, they knew God had a bigger plan for them.

They moved to Phoenix in September of 1982 to start their entrepreneurial journey. They later opened A and J Barbecue, the name representing Abraham and the four daughters and Jean. Not only were they phenomenally successful, but the restaurant also afforded them the opportunity to meet so many wonderful Phoenicians, expanding their family in Christ.

Abraham will always be remembered as a wonderful family man, great cook, his welcoming personality and gift of gab, and a brave servant of God. He had a wonderful life. His loving spirit will live on in the hearts of all who know him.

Abraham is survived by his four daughters Anita and Kirk (Chicago), Amber (Phoenix), Aundrea (Atlanta) and Adrianne and Fateen (Atlanta), and three grandchildren Ariana (Walnut Creek, California), Kira (Chicago) and Kirk (Chicago) and sister Pauline, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Flora Jean, father JB, mother Millie, brothers Oscar, Melvin, Johnie B., Willie and Nathaniel, and sisters Rushia and Emma Jean.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Wellspring Church benevolence fund in his honor.