Deborah Hawkins Obituary in Shelby at Enloe Mortuary

Obituary For Deborah Hawkins

Ms. Deborah Kerium Wallace (Robertson) Hawkins transitioned from this life on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at Peak Resources of Shelby, NC surrounded by family and friends. A native of Brooklyn, New York, she was the daughter of the late Ezekiel Hawkins and Marguerite Evelyn Wallace.

Deborah attended New York City Public Schools and graduated from The City College of New York with a degree in sociology. Her dream was to one day become a social worker so that she could advocate for the less fortunate. She moved to Shelby, NC in the late 70’s and was a former employee of Clevemont Mills in Kings Mountain, NC. She worked as a Group Home Manager for VOCA Corporation, caring for people with mental disabilities until her health began to decline.

Deborah showed love through her strength and courage. A socially conscious activist in the time of civil unrest, Deborah, fondly known as “Sista Soulja” took great pride in her cultural heritage. She considered herself a professional student, studying to show herself approved while spending hours pouring through commentaries and countless references for her Sunday school lesson. As a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, she served in various ministries to include Church secretary, Sunday School Superintendent, Vacation Bible School Superintendent, Young Adult Missionary Leader, Outreach, Discipleship and Advent Coordinator. She also started the Adult Basic Education Program to help adults earn their high school diploma. At Mt. Calvary, she continued her passion for teaching the word of God as a Sunday School Teacher.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her grandparents Charles H. Saunders and Hattie E. Saunders; three sisters, Saundra D. Wallace Williams, Regina V. Wallace and Claudia V. Wallace and grandniece; Azuri D. Johnson.

Left to cherish fond memories are her children, MeShawn K. Dawkins (Tammie M.) and Tanesha S. Robertson; four grandchildren, Dartanyan A. Windley, Adonijah M. Windley, Dionesia A. Robertson and Kyree C. Strong; four great grandchildren, Heaven S. Windley, Dartanyan A. Windley, Jr., Aramis J. Windley and Ava M. Windley; a brother, Michael C. Wallace and a sister, Wanda K. Wallace Johnson (Eric S.); nephew, Darnell L. Johnson (Tiffany G.) and niece, ShaKeisha M. Johnson; two grand nephews; Robert I. Price and Dalail K. Johnson. At her side until the end; her soulmate, Michael Adams.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until 2:00 PM at the church on Saturday.