Classie Hawkins, 104 passed away in her home on January 25, 2024. A lifelong resident of Center Ridge, Arkansas, Classie was the third of six children born to the union of Dock Lee Clinkscale and Myrtis Morris Clinkscale on November 17, 1919. Mother Hawkins joined the Mount Zion Methodist Church in her youth and was educated at Friendship School and Union Special School. On December 13, 1936, she married T.B. Hawkins. Their blessed union endured 65 years, produced 11 children, and raised one grandchild, Anita. The family operated a successful dairy business for more than 50 years. During her remarkable journey in this "Great, Wide, Beautiful, Wonderful World," Mother Hawkins was blessed to experience the growth of her family to five generations through more than three dozen grandchildren. The couple united with the Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church, where Mother Hawkins remained a faithful member for more than 80 years, serving as Sunday school teacher, secretary, and chair of the program committee. A skilled orator, Mother Hawkins was known for delivering speeches at church and district events. She enjoyed bringing God's Word to life through short skits and plays and stressed the importance of the actors – mostly her children and grandchildren – learning their lines, just as she expected each of her cows to remember their names when called to the barn. Mrs. Hawkins is remembered by many for her Christian living, warm smile, lively poems, and homemade biscuits. Mrs. Hawkins is preceded in death by her parents Dock and Myrtis; siblings Frank, Rosa B., Diversa, Nathan, and Azer Lee; husband T.B.; and son Tolly. She leaves to cherish her memory 10 children: Mertice Swinton of Blackwell, Ella Switzer of Springfield, Elton (Mary) Hawkins of Morrilton, James P. (Lois) Hawkins of Mayflower, Luke (Ruth) Hawkins of Center Ridge, Mineal Criswell of Detroit, Elcie (Henry) Strickland of Center Ridge, Eugene (Lawana) Hawkins of Morrilton, Magdalene (William) Strickland of Center Ridge, and Virginia (Roger) Oates of Center Ridge; and a host of loved ones, including grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 Vance-Wilson & Jarrett Funeral Directors "The Epitome of Service" Visitation Friday, February 2, 2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM The Robert & Barbara Wilson Memorial Chapel 106 E. Elm St. Morrilton, AR 72110 Celebration of Life Saturday, February 3, 2024 11:00 AM Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church 6328 Highway 9 Center Ridge, AR 72027