Rose Gervaise (Ray) Hawkins

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.  Please join us in mourning the passing of Mrs. Rose Gervaise Ray Hawkins, of Rainbow City, AL who traded time for eternity on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the age of 94.  We ask that you please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. 

Rose Gervaise Ray Hawkins was born on April 26, 1932, in Algoma, McDowell County, West Virginia, she was the third of five children born to the late Rosa Belle Owens Ray and George T. Ray, Sr.

At an early age, Rose accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at Bethel Church of Christ in Gary, West Virginia. Her unwavering Christian faith guided every aspect of her life and was beautifully reflected in her favorite scriptures: Philippians 4:13, Proverbs 3:5–6, and John 3:16. Throughout her lifetime, she faithfully served in numerous leadership and membership roles in churches across West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and Alabama. Her commitment to ministry and education was exemplified through the development, direction, and tutoring of the countywide multicultural educational program, X-CEL, at Ebenezer CME Church in South Boston, Virginia.

Rose's pursuit of excellence in education began in the public schools of McDowell and Mercer Counties, West Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bluefield State College in 1952, a Master of Education degree from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1967, and later attained Advanced Certification in Administration from the University of North Carolina.

For more than fifty years, Rose devoted herself to the field of education. Her distinguished career spanned every level of learning, from teaching first grade students to instructing college-level classes. She also served as Director of Federal Projects and became widely respected for developing innovative and successful educational programs in Halifax County Public Schools, Roxboro Housing Educational Outreach, Durham County Public Schools, and Danville Community College. Her expertise led her to present at local, state, and national educational conferences, impacting countless educators and students.

Rose's passion for uplifting others extended far beyond the classroom. She received more than twenty awards and recognitions for outstanding achievement and community service. She served on numerous boards and committees and was the founder of Wind Beneath the Wings, Inc. At Ebenezer CME Church, she faithfully served as Director of Boards, a member of the Board of Christian Education, Commission on Membership and Evangelism, Stewardess Board, and Vacation Bible School ministry. Following her move to Alabama, she continued her service through volunteer work with Etowah RSVP and Gadsden State Community College. She was also a proud and active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Lambda Eta Omega Chapter.

One of the greatest blessings of Rose's life was her marriage to Jesse J. Hawkins III, the love of her life. United in marriage on August 7, 1954, they shared a beautiful partnership for fifty-seven years, embodying the meaning of true soulmates. Together, they created a home filled with love, faith, hospitality, and generosity. Family members, church friends, civic organizations, and community groups were warmly welcomed into their home, where Rose and Jesse extended kindness and encouragement to all.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rosa Belle Owens Ray and George T. Ray, Sr.; her stepmother, Doris B. Ray; her beloved husband, Jesse J. Hawkins III; her sister, Joyce R. Swayne; and her brothers, George T. Ray, Jr., James R. Ray, and Owen M. Ray.

On May 29, 2026, Rose Gervaise Ray Hawkins peacefully transitioned to her eternal home, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, service, education, and love.

Rose leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted son, Garric Dwayne Hawkins, and his loving wife, Michele; her beloved grandchildren, Tiffany Franks (Joshua) and Garric Dwayne Hawkins, Jr. (Anna); and her treasured great-grandson, Garric "Tre" Dwayne Hawkins III. She is also survived by her godson, Rodney Ray Swayne; her sister, Shirley R. Wilson; sisters-in-law, Willie Mae Ray and Sandra D. Ray; and a host of dear nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins, friends, church family, and loved ones.

Rose Gervaise Ray Hawkins lived a life marked by grace, wisdom, perseverance, and unwavering faith. Her pleasant demeanor, compassionate spirit, and tireless pursuit of opportunities to improve the lives of others left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Through her service, leadership, hospitality, and devotion to God and family, she built a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Though she has completed her earthly journey, her life remains a shining testament to a faith well lived, a purpose fully embraced, and a love generously shared.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

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