Laura Duke Hawkins
Laura Duke Hawkins, entered into rest peacefully Monday, January 11, 2021 surrounded by the comfort of her five children.
Laura was born Feb. 20, 1968 in Dalton, Ga. Her work for the Lord began early, continuing faithfully for 52 years. She will be forever remembered foremost as a God fearing daughter, sister, wife and mother. Laura was most content “playing in the yard” with her children, working outdoors creating art from anything she could find in nature or tending to her honey bees with her neighbor and dearest friend, Gene Hedrick. She was a true “gimper”, selfless, kind, encouraging and bold, never-ceasing to sow hope and dreams in her children to be all God made them to be. Established in faith claiming Joshua 24:15, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Laura is preceded by her great-grandmother, Minnie Clark Barrett; and grandfather and grandmother, Howard Childers, Jr. and Lillie Mae Childers.
She is survived by her father and mother, Daniel and Wanda Duke; sons, Braxton, Garrett, and Beau: daughters, Audrey and Sophia Hawkins; sister and brother-in-law, Carrie and Brian Bishop; niece, Chloe Bishop; former husband, Jay Hawkins; sister-in-law, Darlene Gatewood: aunt, Tammy Childers; and her little grand-dog, “Little” a little papillion spaniel who was always by her side.
Services to celebrate the life of Ms. Laura Duke Hawkins will be held Sunday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Denny Smith and Reverend Lonnie Starnes officiating. She will be laid to rest at West Hill Cemetery with Taylor Shirah, Cole Shirah, Jeff Egan, Kenny Payne, Develin Carrell and Jay Daniels honored to serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be, Clint Duke, Gene Hedrick, Reggie Gazaway, Joe Crider and Johnny Crider.
The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, and after noon Sunday, Jan. 17, until the service hour.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Cohutta Church of God of the Union Assembly, 1009 McGauhey Chapel Road, Cohutta, GA, 30710.
Due to the national health crisis and the COVID-19 virus, masks must be worn properly at all times and social distancing must be observed when visiting the funeral home.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.pondersfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements will be announced by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Dr., Dalton, GA 30721, (706) 226-4002.