In the heart of Texas, in beautiful Dallas, one extraordinary woman by the name of Lillie Mae Hawkins was born to the warm family of Mansfield Sr. and Effie Chappel on August 17, 1949. A graduate of Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School, class of 1967, Lillie Mae was a woman of immense pride, spirit, and resilience.

From her early years, Lillie Mae demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her faith. She accepted Christ as her personal savior, becoming a meaningful member of the New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Her religious journey was guided by the strong leadership of W.M. Wesby and G.L. Price. Beyond her personal journey of faith, she found joy and support in accompanying her beloved husband to Full Gospel Holy Temple.

Her life was blessed with her husband, Jay Lee Hawkins, with whom she united in holy matrimony. Their love story included the adoption of a son, extending their family and their shared love. Working hard at Texas Fastners before transitioning into a dedicated homemaker, Lillie Mae was a pillar of strength and devotion to her loved ones.

Outside of her family and work life, Lillie Mae had a passion for details that made life a little more beautiful – from shopping, couponing to beautifying homes with her breathtaking interior designs.

Yet, life brought numerous trials to Lillie Mae, asking her to bid farewell to her parents, brothers Mansfield Sr. and Joe Lewis, sisters Willie McCoo, Lizzie For, Daisy Brown, Josphine Chappell, and Dorothy Chappel. Despite these challenges, her spirit was never subdued, her faith and resolve unwavering.

Now, as she rests in eternal peace, Lillie Mae's legacy lives forth in the memories you share, the stories you tell, and the love you hold for her. Her spirit prevails in those who survive her - her dedicated husband, Jay Lee, son J'Myrean Hawkins, daughters Shannon Carey, Clarica Hull, Tracy Carey, her nine grandchildren, twenty-two greatgrandchildren, her siblings L.T. Chappel and Ruby Jewel Huspeth.

Not mere relatives, but the myriad of friends, neighbors, nieces and nephews she cherished stand testament to the fact that Lillie wasn't just a family member, she was a friend, a mentor, an inspiration. It is through you and your memories that the beautiful spirit that was Lillie Mae Hawkins continues to thrive on. Let's honor her memory by celebrating her unique spirit, and keep her alive in our hearts, today and every day.