Lillian Izetta McElroy Hawkins Jones was born on July 3, 1928, to Charles Henry and Elizabeth "Muddy" Frazier McElroy.
Visitation will be held Saturday, May 11, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Willow Street Christian Church Hannibal, MO. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., with Reverend Minnie Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Grand View Burial Park in Hannibal, MO.
Lillian was married to Walter Sanford Hawkins in 1949 and to this union a daughter, Valerie Irene Hawkins (Shaw) was born. Walter passed in 1980. On July 2, 1994 Lillian married Gerald "Jerry" Clifton Jones. He preceded her in death on October 23, 2011.
Survivors include two sons, Retired CW4 Patrick M McElroy (Margarete) of Leimen West Germany and William Matthew Hawkins (Georgiana) of Hannibal; one daughter, Valerie Irene Shaw of Columbia, MO; one stepson, Harry Perkins of Hannibal; nine grandchildren, Garrett Shaw (Tilita), Michael Shaw (Ryana), Angela Williams (Aaron), Matthew West (Tamara), Tisha Fritz (John), Neil Vaughn (Dana), Adam Sidner, Matthew M Hawkins and Jaylon Perkins; thirteen great grandchildren, LarMar Shaw, Dylan Shaw, Shaylynn Fields, Mychal Shaw, Myles Shaw, Brooke West, Jennifer West, Tyler West, Peyton Fritz, Da'Neil Vaughn, Jasmine Vaughn, Dominique Vaughn, Jamie Hawkins; three great-great grandchildren Tyler Shaw, Alani Shaw, E'maih Fields;one sister in law Dorothy McElroy and a host of treasured nieces, nephews, and cousins; and four "special daughters", Carolyn Allen, Virginia Law, Brenda Hartley and Mary Ratliff.
Lillian was preceded in death by one son, Charles Markus Hawkins; her parents; 11 siblings, Mildred Smith, Helmuth (Doll) McElroy, Gerald McElroy, Henry McElroy, Mary E. McElroy, Nadine McElroy, Vivian McElroy,Carrie McElroy, Charles McElroy Jr., Xanthese Dumas Hall and Alonzo Hall; grandson Patrick Hawkins (infant); and great grandson Haydon West.
Lillian was a lifelong member of Willow Street Christian Church and was passionately dedicated to her church and community. She is known to have helped others with financial and emotional support. She graduated from her beloved Douglass School in 1946. In 1985 Lillian and several other Douglass High School graduates established the Douglass Scholarship Fund and awarded scholarships annually to deserving black high school students. Her education included completing training at Madam C J Walker Cosmetology College in Chicago, Illinois. Lillian also attended vocal classes at the American Conservatory of Music.
Lillian was employed by the Hannibal Head Start Program for 21 years and to supplement her work, she completed many hours of Early Childhood Education. She had several positions at Head Start, with the last few years serving as Director. She was an advertising representative for the Hannibal Courier Post for 19 years. Her most enjoyable job was serving as coordinator of the Foster Grandparent Program until she retired at the age of 83 years young.
She loved her husband, Jerry, and especially enjoyed that he taught her to fish. They cherished long rides in the country and making the family hot tamale recipe. Lillian loved her family and having large family dinners was a favorite. She absolutely adored all of her grandchildren and was dedicated to being a loving grandmother and the family matriarch. Lillian taught her family to be caring of others, to be thoughtful, to show empathy, and to treat others the way you want to be treated. Lillian especially loved gardening, cooking and the "Price Is Right Show".
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all kindness expressed. Thank you for the prayers, love, cards, flowers, food, calls, and other acts of concern during our mother's illness and passing. Special thanks to the Luther Manor Retirement Center, Community Loving Care Hospice (Kayla and Anita), and the Willow Street Christian Church for your kindness and care.
Memorials may be made to the Willow Street Christian Church. P.O. Box 1169 Hannibal, MO 63401
Visitation
MAY
11.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Willow Street Church
Hannibal, MO
Service
MAY
11.
1:00 PM
Willow Street Church
Hannibal, MO