WILLIAMSBURG — Whether you called him, “Mr. Ivie,” “Harry,” “Ivie,” “Grandpa,” or “Pappa Stoppa,” William Ivie Hawkins, 82, born May 24, 1938, to the late William Early Hawkins and Marion Taylor in James City County, entered into eternal rest Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, surrounded by those he loved and who loved him.
His passing has united him with his parents, William Early Hawkins and Marion Taylor; siblings, Mazuria Johnson, Lorenzo Hawkins and Alfornzo Hawkins; sister-in-law, Mary A Walker; and brothers-in-law, Robert “Popcorn” Walker, Wesley Walker and Daniel Walker Jr.
Ivie received his early childhood education in Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools. At an early age, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was a lifelong member of Chickahominy Baptist Church, where he sang in the Senior Choir and Community Choir until his health began to fail. On Feb. 20, 1960, he married the love of his life, the former Elizabeth Walker. This union was blessed with six children. Ivie raised his family in the church. He retired as a chef with Eastern State Hospital after 40 years of dedicated service.
In the eyes of Ivie, the best football team around was the Baltimore Ravens. He enjoyed watching football, westerns and riding his lawnmower with his “walker on the back.” He loved singing, and Silent Night was his favorite song. His family loved when he sang it for them. Now understand, this seemingly quiet man drove his car up and down the long driveway on his property without a driver’s license. Ivie loved his family and friends and he loved to “talk trash” with his buddies, Archie Lee, Nathaniel Baker, Calvin Marsh, Craig Jones, Ernest Bassett, and the late Robert “Popcorn” Walker. He was a true family man with a heart for God.
Ivie’s memories will live on in the hearts of his loving wife of 61 years, Elizabeth “Sue” Hawkins; son, William Ivie Hawkins Jr. (Colethea); daughters, Selinda Hawkins, Chiffione Hawkins, Dionne Hawkins Friday, Jamie Gray (Rodney) and Wendy Hawkins; 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Levi Hawkins; sisters, Olivia Noel and Evangeline Jones; sisters-in-law, Marie Meekins, Rudell Walker and Shirley Walker; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
A walk-thru viewing will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, March 5, at Whiting’s Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at noon, Saturday, March 6, at Bethel Restoration Center. CDC precautions with facial coverings and social distancing are required. Facebook livestreaming will be available at the beginning of services. Interment will follow in Williamsburg Memorial Park.
Share online condolences with the family at Whiting’s Funeral Home.
