Mrs. Gladys Mae Hawkins was originally born in Chapin South Carolina, but resided in Columbia. She departed this life on September 23, 2016 at Palmetto Health Baptist. She was born September 4, 1939 to the late Rosa Bell Hook and Ruby Lee Jackson, but was raised in the home with her brother and cousins by the late Julius and Lottie Hook.

At an early age, Gladys joined Countsville Church AME Church of Chapin, South Carolina. As the head of her household, Gladys was a strong, helpful, nurturing, mother who provided for her children. She was always welcoming with open arms to her children, grandchildren and friends. She enjoyed playing cards with friends and family. Gladys was married to the late Mr. Willie Mack Hawkins of Prosperity, South Carolina. Their union was blessed with three beloved sons: Ray Hook, Athel Hook and Michael Hawkins.

In addition to her mother, Mrs. Hawkins is survived by her children: Johnny Hawkins (Linda), Tony Hawkins (Shanna), Christopher (Gayle) Hawkins, Ashley Hawkins (Chase) and 17 beautiful grandchildren: Shamell-Jable(Melissa) Maxwell, Tylone Hawkins, Sherel and Shajuan Maxwell, Autumn Rumph, Tony Deaunta Hawkins, Sean Michael, Toni Michelle Hawkins, Elijah Hawkins, C.J. Counts, NiAsia Shelton, Kiona Wolfe, Aneisha Kelly Victoria Muller and Tyreque and Tevin Romey; and eleven beloved great-grandchildren: Michael and Misiah Thomas, DeAuntae Anderson, Jayshawn and Josten Hawkins, Major Wiggins, Zyire Heatley, Kayden Wiggins, Nasir, Richard and Jayden Wright. She also leaves to cherish beautiful memories her brother, Brady Hook (Deloris); aunt, Ms. Bessie Alice of New Jersey; three nieces; and special friends whom she loved dearly: Willie White, Juanita Mack, Barbara Scott, Lorraine, Bernice Scott, Kenya, Washington, Linda Green, Betty Jean and Hattie Rose. She was a mother figure to Rocetia Harmon, Kevin Rogers (Melissa), Anthony Bates (Barbara) Fred Dillard, Felicia Berry and Billie Middleton.

Mrs. Hawkins will truly be missed. She loved hard, taught many lessons and never gave up or turned her back on anyone…the true definition of strength and character.