Mae Patterson Hawkins, age 99, died peacefully on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Carlyle Place in Macon, GA.  Funeral services will be held at 2 PM, Wednesday, November 6, at Roberta Baptist Church with Rev Joe McDaniel officiating.  The family will greet friends at 1 PM, prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Roberta Cemetery.

 Mae was born on January 10, 1925, in Dadeville, AL, the sixth of ten children in a close-knit family.  She and her husband JB and their 2 small children moved to Roberta, GA, in 1955 where she was a beloved educator, community member, church member, and friend.

Mae's journey to becoming a teacher was a testament to her determination and strength.  At the age of 17, driven by her love for learning, she traveled on her own from Dadeville, AL, to Rome, GA, to attend Berry College. There, she pursued her goal of teaching and distinguished herself as a student and a leader. With her beauty and grace, Mae was selected on numerous occasions to serve none other than Henry Ford, the college's benefactor, in the dining room, an honor she cherished.

Mae was a dedicated teacher, primarily instructing 6th and 7th grade science. Her passion for education left a lasting impact on her students and colleagues alike. She was known for her kindness, wisdom, and an unwavering dedication to her students' growth. She cared deeply for everyone around her and was always encouraging each person to perform at the best level.

Her church was central to her life and she was a strong, Christian woman. Also, she was known for her great cooking and sewing skills.  ......Her grandchildren were the beneficiaries of whatever homemade food they wanted during their frequent visits!

Mae is survived by her daughter, Dr. Jennifer Hawkins Allen (Bruce) of Macon and her son Dr. John Charles (Chuck) Hawkins (Kathy) of Macon; four grandchildren, Dr. Lindsay Lefler (Will) of Cheyenne WY, Greer Craig (Bryan) of Brookhaven, GA, Jean Peake (Joby) of Peachtree Corners, GA, and Dr. Blake Allen of Brisbane, CA; her 5 great grandsons, Henry Peake, Holden Peake, Silas Peake and Gus Craig and Ford Craig; and her two sisters Jean Altman of Atlanta, GA and Benton Phillips of Dadeville, AL. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Barrett Hawkins, her parents, Charles Henry Patterson and Gladys Knight Patterson, and her brothers and sister, Mack Patterson, Donald Patterson, Harrell Patterson, Ralph Patterson, Charles Patterson, Tyrone Patterson, and Nell Newman.

The family extends sincere appreciation to her exceptional caregivers. They are Kathy Hugley, Vickie Thomas, Marlo Moran, Kamryn Moran, Carlyle Place, and Pine Point Hospice.

Mae will be deeply missed by all who knew her, yet her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched. Her life was one of service, love, and gratitude, and she will be remembered always as a gentle, wise, and loving soul.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Mae's memory to contribute to either the Laverne Bentley Scholarship Fund, Crawford County Retired Educators, PO Box 341, Roberta, GA 31078 or the Mae Patterson Hawkins Scholarship Fund, Crawford County Educators Scholarship, Gordon State College Foundation, 419 College Drive, Barnesville, GA   30204.

McLeighton Funeral Service of Roberta is in charge of arrangements.