Mabel Ruth Hawkins

Mother Mabel Ruth Hawkins was born February 5, 1912 in Ironton, Ohio to parents George and Corneilia Hawkins. Of the four children born to this union, one sister, Lula Mae, succumbed to whooping cough at the age of two. Her father worked for the railroad and her mother was self-sufficient and resourceful and made all of the family's clothing. The family remembered her mother, known as "Connie", for making her own clothing patterns from newspapers. Mother Hawkins did not date in high school but loved to dance. Her brother O'Neil would be her chaperone. When the family moved to Columbus in the early 1940's, she united with the Hosack Street Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev Hosea H. Teague. She later became a charter member of Resurrection Missionary Baptist Church (formerly the Reeb-Hosack Community Baptist Church) where she was active in the Missionary Society until her health prevented her active participation. For several years she continued her mission work by checking on members by telephone. Mother Hawkins married Herbert Bolte when she was 21 years of age and later divorced when she was 39. Herbert and her brother Glenn were drafted into the army together. There was never a time that Mother Hawkins did not work. Beginning her employment at the First National Dry Cleaners that was located on Hosack Street, she later became a supervisor of a branch located on Mt. Vernon Avenue. After leaving First National, she was employed at the Ohio State University Hospitals in the Dietary Department. Because of her work ethics and her ability to work with "anyone", she was promoted to supervisor. At the age of 70 she retired with twenty-one years of service. A compassionate and caring person. Mother Hawkins cared for both her brothers during their illnesses and lovingly cared for her mother until the time of her transition. And, while she had no children of her own, she was a mentor, supporter and friend to many. The gift of clarity of mind and memory was something of which many marveled or were envious. Mother Hawkins could relate the history of her family, the neighborhood in which she lived, her work and personal experiences, as well as that of world events. Without a television, she read daily. The Bible and devotionals were her first choice, followed by the newspaper. She did not watch television, but was aware of current events. Until the last few years, Mother Hawkins managed her own affairs and could tell you about her finances, insurance, retirement information or other personal information. When she really wanted additional information from anyone she would continue the conversation with "let me ask you this". Blessed to celebrate 107 years of life, Mother Hawkins lived during the tenure of 19 United States presidents and was able to tell some story about 14 of them. She witnessed many changes in the style and costs of automobiles, houses, mode of travel and clothing. One constant of her personal wardrobe was the turban head wrap. Mabel Ruth Hawkins was preceded in death by parents; sister, Lula Mae Hawkins; and brothers O'Neil and Glenn Hawkins. She leaves to celebrate her transition and homegoing nephew Richard Hawkins of Dayton, Ohio; special friends Beatrice Wess of Euclid, Ohio, John and Geraldine Williams of Columbus, Ohio; and many other family and friends.