Helen Irene Hawkins

Helen Irene Hawkins, 89, lifelong resident of Shoals, passed away at the Loogootee Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center at 5:07 p.m. on August 4, 2016. Born on April 5, 1927 in Martin County Indiana she was the daughter of the late John William and Laura Belle (Purkhiser) Ervin. Helen married Clyde L. “Whitey” Hawkins on March 11, 1950 and he preceded her in death on May 12, 2016. Helen retired after twenty-two years of service to Martin County, serving in the County Highway Department, Jail Matron, Treasurer Office, and Martin County Assessor two terms. She was a dedicated member of St. Mary of The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Shoals. She enjoyed gardening, tending her flowers, and crocheting; however, her greatest passion was doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Helen graduated from Shoals High School in 1945. She was very active in the community serving with the Shoals American Legion Auxiliary, Shoals V.F.W. Auxiliary, Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary Aerie #2442, Shoals Senior Citizens, Martin County Historical Society, Bramble Conservation Club and Martin County Democrat Central Committee and Democrat Women’s Club. She is survived by 4 daughters, Debra Jan Strange of Shoals; Lynette Kay, and husband, Ted Jones of Bloomington; Micky Ann, and husband, Jeff Crew of Shoals; and Wendy Jenea, and husband, Dan Colglazier of Springville; 7 grandchildren, Steve Strange, Rainell Cushman, Chris Roush, Brittany Stalcup, Derek Sipes, Bethany Tuomi and Jarrod Lents; 2 step-granddaughters, Candace Clark and Cassie Crew; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 step-great granddaughter, and numerous nieces and nephews. Helen was the last living sibling and was preceded in death by her sisters, Lydia Hawkins, Betty Hawkins and Marie Ervin, brothers, Lee Ervin, Bill Ervin, James Ervin, George Ervin, and Richard Ervin, and a great-granddaughter Haylei Sipes. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 7, 2016 at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 128 High Street in Shoals. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 8, 2016 at St. Mary’s at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be made in Spring Hill Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be made available at the Church. On-line condolences may be made to the family at www.queenlee.com