Donna Mae Hawkins (December 9th, 1932 – March 15th, 2024)

Donna Mae Hawkins, born on December 9, 1932, at her family home in Orfino, NE, peacefully departed from this life on March 15, 2024, at her home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, after bravely battling pancreatic cancer. She was 91 years old.

Donna is survived by her cherished brother, William Dean Cawthra, her devoted children Terry Don Hawkins (Heidi), Gary Alan Hawkins (Judy), and Kathy Jo Dethrage, as well as seven grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren who were all deeply dear to her heart.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Lee Hawkins, her loving parents, Ralph Seymore Cawthra and Joyce Florence Cawthra, and her dear siblings Robert Wesley Cawthra, Eldon Richard Cawthra, and James Kindall Cawthra and one grandson, Joshua Hawkins.

Donna's life was marked by a dedication to healing and care. After completing her nurse training at St. Luke’s in Denver from 1950 to 1953, she embarked on a journey of compassion and service. On July 16, 1954, she joyfully entered into marriage with her beloved Joe, and together they navigated life's joys and challenges with unwavering devotion.

In 1977, Donna pursued further education and moved to Birmingham, Alabama, for Nurse Practitioner Training, which equipped her with even greater skills to serve her community. Her more than four decades in the Druid City began with work at the Tuscaloosa Health Department in 1976 and subsequent employment with the gynecology department at the University of Alabama from 1982 until her retirement in 1996. Donna left an indelible mark on countless lives, as she brought comfort and care to those in need.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Donna found solace and joy in music. She delighted in playing hymns and singing, whether at her organ or strumming her guitar, bringing a sense of peace and harmony wherever she went. Her love for music was paralleled by her love for exploration. Donna and Joe embarked on numerous adventures, traveling the country and beyond in a camper they cherished, often accompanied by family, as they sought to savor the richness of life together.

A celebration of Donna's life will be held on Tuesday, March 19th, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, located at 3802 Watermelon Rd, Northport, AL 35476 with visitation beginning at noon.

For inquiries regarding the service or arrangements, please contact the funeral home at (205) 345-2900.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Paul Skelton, Freddy Yates, Rick Robinson, Phillip Hindman, Dr. David Maxwell, and Richard Thomason. Pastor Michael Crosswhite will preside over the service, offering words of comfort and reflection for all who gather to honor Donna's life and legacy.

Donna Mae Hawkins will be remembered fondly for her unwavering kindness, her gentle spirit, and her boundless love for her family and community. May her memory be a beacon of light, guiding us through the darkness, and may her legacy of compassion and service inspire us all.