Audrey Mae Hawkins Obituary
On the morning of October 3, 2026, Audrey Mae Hawkins of Caraway, Arkansas, opened her eyes in glory and entered the presence of the Savior she loved. She was born November 20, 1953, to Garland and Morene Cook Powell and spent most of her life in Caraway, where she built a life centered around her faith, her family, and the people she loved.
Audrey was an active member of New Hope Baptist Church, where she served as a greeter, helped with ministry outreaches and VBS, and taught Sunday School for a time. She previously attended First Baptist of Caraway. She lived her faith quietly by serving others and caring for those around her.
Audrey and her husband, Johnny Hawkins, were a unique match, but there was never any doubt about their love for each other. Johnny was about as country and outdoorsman as a man could be. He loved hunting, fishing, and being outside. Audrey was not exactly an outdoorswoman, but she loved him enough to put up with his adventures, cook his deer, and fry his fish. Somehow, they were perfect for each other.
That love extended to their children, Heath and Sarah. They never had to wonder if they were loved. Audrey gave them a home filled with care, support, and unconditional love.
Audrey worked for many years as a medical transcriptionist, spending most of her career with the State of Arkansas. She was exceptionally talented and known as one of the fastest typists in the state. But her greatest accomplishment was the family she loved so deeply.
Her grandchildren, Jaron, Clayton, and Ella, were her pride and joy. Audrey was their biggest fan and most devoted supporter. She and Sarah went to every event they possibly could, from their births to ballgames, concerts, performances, and everything in between. If one of her grandchildren was involved, Audrey wanted to be there. In her eyes, they could do no wrong.
Those who knew Audrey will remember her as soft-spoken, kindhearted, selfless, and beautiful. She never needed to be the center of attention. She simply loved deeply and gave generously of herself.
Audrey was a woman of deep and genuine Christian faith. She believed in a God who heals, and she experienced that healing in the most complete way possible. Cancer may have been part of the final chapter of her earthly life, but it does not define her story. God has given her the ultimate victory. Her suffering is over, her faith has become sight, and she is now in the presence of the Savior she loved.
Audrey is survived by her son, Jason Heath Hawkins and Candace of Caraway; her daughter, Sarah Hawkins of Caraway; her grandchildren, Jaron Hawkins, Clayton Hawkins, and Ella Hawkins; her brother, Olin Powell and Diane of Caraway; brother-in-law, Tony Hawkins and Shelia of Manila; sister-in-law, Crystal Hawkins of Jonesboro; brother-in-law, Dean Story of Caraway; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her much-loved husband, Johnny Hawkins; her parents, Garland and Morene Powell; and her sister, Karen Story.
Audrey's family will miss her more than words can express. But even through the tears, there is reason to celebrate. She lived a life of faith, loved her family fiercely, and finished her earthly journey trusting in Christ.
She is healed. She is home. And she has won the victory she believed in all her life.
Honorary pallbearers are Zachary Story, Zachary Story Jr., Brent Powell, Jamie Stone, Levi Reed, her nephews, and Jaron Hawkins and Clayton Hawkins, her grandsons.
A celebration of Audrey's life will be held Tuesday at New Hope Baptist Church in Black Oak. Friends and family are warmly invited to come together to celebrate her life, share memories, and remember the love and faith she shared with so many. Visitation will be from 11:30 with the celebration of her life beginning at 1:00 p.m.
