Odessa Hawkins of Silsbee, Texas

March 31, 1941 – August 5, 2020

Odessa Hunt was born to Andy & Jurushia Bush Hunt in Brookeland, Texas on March 31, 1941.  Odessa was the 12^th of 18 children born to this union.  She attended the Huntington School System until 1957 when she left to assist her sister in New Orleans, Louisiana. While living in New Orleans, she completed her education.  She accepted Christ at an early age at Pilgrim Home B. C. of Huntington, where she also taught Sunday School.

Odessa met and married the love of her life, Richard Hawkins, on October 2, 1961, and to this union they were blessed with 3 daughters and one son.  While raising her family, she was given the opportunity to further her education in the Orleans Parish School System, which allowed her to being a career with the Louisiana State Office of Family Services.  In 2004, Odessa was blessed to retire with 25 years of dedicated service.

Throughout these years, her love for teaching and training young people continued.  After retiring, she was able to continue her passion for teaching and training young people as her Christian Ministry.  She was active with many churches and associations while living in Louisiana.  Odessa was a homemaker and seamstress.  She even owned a business called Odessa’s Accessories.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused the Hawkins Family to move to Silsbee, Texas.  While living here, she once again became very active in her Christian ministry.  She placed her membership with the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W J Proctor (retired) and continued to serve under Rev. Mack Pollard, Jr.  She always exemplified teamwork on a Christian level, which consisted of roles as Deaconess, SS teacher, Mission President, Youth leader, VBS Coordinator.  Odessa participated in civic and community activities, school board meetings, secretary of MLK Day Committee, president of Silsbee Economic Development Board, 5^th Sunday Citywide Mission, very active with the Trinity Valley Association, as well as serving in any other capacity when asked.

Odessa was preceded in death by her parents, Andy and Jurushia, 2 brothers and 5 sisters. 

She leaves to mourn her precious memories that will forever remain in the hearts of her husband, Richard, of 58 years, children, Sherry, Linda, Richard Jr, (Lisa), and Danielle, 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, many god-children, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.