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Walter Hawkins Obituary
Hawkins, who was battling pancreatic cancer, passed away at his home in Ripon, Calif., his older brother Edwin Hawkins said.
"Today, I lost my brother, my pastor, and my best friend," said Edwin Hawkins. "Bishop Hawkins suffered bravely but now he will suffer no more and he will be greatly missed."
Born in Oakland, Hawkins studied for his divinity degree at the University of California, Berkeley.
While at the university, he recorded his first album titled "Do Your Best" in 1972.
The next year, Hawkins became a pastor and founded the Love Center Church in Oakland, where he also formed a choir.
In the 1980s, Hawkins recorded a number of albums and earned nine Grammy Award nominations, according to friend and family representative, Bill Carpenter.
His "The Lord's Prayer" won a Grammy in 1980 and he also performed on the televised Grammy Awards ceremony that year.
In 1990, Hawkins released "Love Alive III" which spent 34 weeks at the top on the Billboard gospel album sales chart, while going on to sell more than a million copies, according to Carpenter.
In 1993 his next album, "Love Alive IV," also hit the top spot on the album sales chart. Between work on the two albums, Hawkins was ordained a bishop in October 1992.
At the time of his death, Hawkins was planning a new "Love Alive" CD concert recording for this fall.
Hawkins is survived by his brother Edwin, four other siblings, two children, two grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements were pending.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
1333 Entries
Phillip Gordon
August 12, 2024
Love his music, inspiration for all,goin, but never forgotten.
Charlene Crowley
August 5, 2024
This man was a force to be reckoned with! God gave him a monumental gift and he raised the stakes for every gospel singer in planet earth! It hurt me dearly to hear of him passing away! But if there´s a choir in heaven, then pastor Hawkins had something to do with it! He was bad to the bone´s! He made you open your mouth and sing with conviction! God bless this man!
Traci Holmes
March 25, 2024
I just listened to Marvelous! Wow! What a great song and testimony! Rest on Sir!
Janet
January 1, 2024
Miss him and his voice
How you can show support
CMann
December 26, 2023
Minister Walter Hawkins anointed body of work continues to minister long after he was called home.
Elaine Stocker
November 28, 2020
I saw Bishop Walter Hawkins in person with the dynamic choir in Chicago. MARVELOUS was current in the gospel circuit and that is what he sang. I am so glad I got to see him in person. As Tremaine Hawkins said at his memorial service, his music will throughout the ages. And here I am in 2020 still moved by his song, MARVELOUS. REST BISHOP
Marilyn Glass
August 29, 2020
Praise God for the life of Bishop Walter Hawkins and for his ministry and service to the Lord. His work continues to live. He is resting in peace, power, and love until the Great getting up morning.
Pastor Ann Hilliard
April 22, 2020
Loved the Hawkins messages of Gods love.
Sharaya James
April 14, 2020
The ANOINTING THE THE LORD GOD HAD UPON THE BISHOP WALTER HAWKINS. WAS SO PROFOUND.SO POWERFUL. WHEN I 1ST HEARD CHANGED I HAD JUST BEEN SAVED. WHEN IHEARD "WHAT IS THIS" I KNEW WHERE EVER THEY WERE GOING I HAD JUST MADE IT IN TIME IT WAS THE HOLY GHOST & I HAD TO GO. THE LOVE ALIVE (ALL) WERE TRUE LOVE BLESSINGS
Kim Ferrell
April 8, 2020
A HIGHLY FAVORED MAN!!! I love Bishop Walter Hawkins and Im sorry hes gone!!! Rest in heaven pastor!!! Love Kim Ferrell
Maple Bizzell
January 5, 2020
A VERY TALENTED MAN TO THE GOSPEL WORLD MAYBE GONE FROM THIS EARTHLY LIFE BUT YOUR SONGS&LEGACY WILL FOREVER LIVE ON THROUGHOUT GENERATIONS OF MANY INDEED"RIP"!!!
October 23, 2019
Loved his music. He was truly anointed.
Paula Herbert
October 9, 2019
I love your singing the gospel it gives me peace but hearing you sing is gives me glory. Rest well.
Dr. Mary James
September 26, 2019
Dr. Mary James.
Debra Williams
August 7, 2019
The song marvelous when i first heard it oh my so soft and sweet .It brings tears to my eyes Love it.
March 24, 2019
I grew up on Bishops s amazing music!
Val Jackson
February 25, 2019
His songs were anointed from the first word until the last. Bishop didnt have to have all of the modern yelling and jumping. His songs just calmly get in my spirit and the things that have me burdened or weighted down seem to be lifted. I am so thankful for his ministry, his sacrifices and for most of all I am thankful God gave him the gifts and he gave them back to God. To God in Heaven be the glory.
Jackie Sinclair
September 17, 2018
One of the greatest and anointed gospel singers of all times .Every song that Bishop Walter Hawkins and The Love Alive Choir sang blessed everyone. Just to name two of my favorites 'Going Up Yonder' and 'Be Grateful ' You will never be forgotten
Rita Meeks-Johnson
August 28, 2018
God blessed Bishop Walter Hawkins to bless many of us with his God-given gift to sing our souls happy! I learned about Bishop's songs several years ago and have been listening to his songs ever since. "What Is This" is the first song I heard and I've listened to it over and over, it has so much meaning, about, "the Holy Spirit". Now I've started listening to "Marvelous" over and over and over. I'm grateful for his servant-hood of sharing with us, what God gave to him to share with us, his anointed voice! May his name be written in the Lamb's Book of Life! I pray that God will continue to bless and keep Bishop's family as they continue this life as believers of Jesus Christ and as they continue this journey, in Jesus name...
Frankie Davis
August 15, 2018
His music will forever stay in my heart...RIH
Chaplain Taylor
Marsha Montgomery Taylor
April 23, 2018
May the work that you did on earth follow you in the Heavenly's...I will miss your gifts and talents here on earth. You are blessed and a blessing. - Chaplain Marsha Taylor
Christina Abby
February 27, 2018
My soul still gets happy when I hear Bishop Hawkins' version of What Is This. Thank you and I know you're in the bosom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Lawrence Manuel
February 14, 2018
To the family of Pastor Walter Hawkins may God bless you and strengthen you trust in him and he will see you through these difficult times to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord
Lisa Scott
February 10, 2018
Love! Love! Bishop Hawkins R.I.H.! On the peaceful shore!❤❤
REV.LYNDA owens-ford
February 7, 2018
one of the greatest your last performance in dc singing MARVELOUS had me in tears. another legacy in heaven let your light keep shining on us
REV. LYNDA OWENS-FORD
February 7, 2018
he is truly heaven bond with so many other greats we lost
Lisa Scott
January 23, 2018
R.I.H.! BISHOP Hawkins!❤
Reba Taylor-Hill
January 16, 2018
You are missed. Your music and singing will never be duplicated.
Vera Davis
January 15, 2018
RIP WALTER HAWKINS... your music raised me as a young Christian and beyond. God bless you and your family.
Lillian Taylor
January 15, 2018
when I was just a child and Catholic-born. I loved two osngs.... Wlater hawkins - "OH HAPPY DAY" and James Cleveland "Peace Be Still"......and 3rd Oh It Is Jesus.....Thee songs helped formed my calling... Minister in Training... MDiv 5/12/2018
December 22, 2017
...still miss your voice
Dianne Bell
November 6, 2017
Your ministry of song still blesses my spirit. Every chance I get I listen to 'What is this'. What a powerful message in this song. Even though our savior called you home he still uses true gospel music to uplift the broken. You are truly a blessing to us. RIP Bishop Walter Hawkins.
Alana Lewis
August 7, 2017
May U Rest In Peace Bishop Hawkins
Alana Lewis
August 7, 2017
May u rest in peace
Gail Lewis
May 20, 2017
Everyday I listen to What Is This and Marvelous it is always played at the start of my days. I love you and receive your crowns.
John Humprey
April 18, 2017
I love the song hold on old soldier, and I will miss seeing you sing... may you rest in peace.. until the Lord returns.
J.R. Cook
March 17, 2017
Bishop Hawkins
I truly enjoy the music made by you and your family. It inspires me and gives me strength. It makes such a great start to my day.
Well done God's faithful servant, rest in heavenly peace. "What is this" & "Marvelous" are my favorites.
Beverly Ferguson
March 5, 2017
Rest in peace my beloved brother. I listen to his music all of the time, which comforts and will always bring me peace in the midst of my storm. Many are called, but he was chosen for a great work. Thank you Hawkins family for sharing Brother Hawkins with the world.
December 16, 2016
Still miss you I love his song What Is This I listen to it every day and before I go to work in the morning. My you continue to rest in peace.
Cherry Horsley - Jacksonville Florida
Susan Stone
July 13, 2016
I looked at the date and saw that Bishop Walter Hawkins has been gone six years now.WALTER's voice to me is like an equipped "HEAVENLY ORCHESTRA" Hearing him sing through the decades makes my,DAYS BRIGHTEN, MY BURDENS LIGHTEN, AND MY FAITH IN GOD TIGHTEN.I'll see you again when JESUS comes.
Betheda Hampton
July 13, 2016
May you rest in Heavenly peace!!! Thank you for the wonderful gift of your timeless masterpieces. I listen to Bishop Walter Hawkins daily.
Linda Sheridan
May 11, 2016
This was truly a gifted man with an awesome voice range. His songs have inspiring messages. Nothing today can match this form of gospel music presented by Hawkins and many others during those decades. His voice and messages will be etched forever throughout time. An unmatched legacy that this generation can not began to envelope.
Jerica McKnight
May 10, 2016
God has gained a true and living soul, That love the works and enjoyed singing for our God.
R.I.H.
Nija Mallory
March 13, 2016
Thank you for leaving us with such wonderful music. God knew what he was doing when he introduced your family to ours through song and worship. May you rest in peace, Bishop Hawkins.
david jones
January 1, 2016
R.I.P pastor you will forever be etched in our memory as a leader in spiritual music and worship for eons to come. ONE OF THE BEST HAS BEEN RE-ASSIGNED to do God's work
kathy huckaby
November 5, 2015
R I P soldier for God praying for the family. Kathy
Rev. Dr. Michael O. Hollowell, I
October 18, 2015
Your music has always been an inspiration to my spiritual journey since 1978 with Love Alive 1. May you rest from your labor.
kimberly ketiku
October 16, 2015
I never listened to this wonderfully, talented, gifted man's music until recently. I heard of his name before but never thought twice about hearing his beautful music. I know for a certainty that no person can have that kind of musical gift and sing there heart out as this genteman did without having God's anointing on their life. I heard Marvelous for the first time and said it was God himself standing before Mr. Hawkins declaring his all and all to our Heavenly Father. What a beautiful, absolutely beautiful song. Oh how I sing that song to my Heavenly Father as well. Mr.Hawkins may your soul rest in peace. Thank you for all of your beautiful songs.
Denese Dunston
May 16, 2015
Your music will forever minister in the hearts of so many people throughout the world. Hawkins Family: Stand tall and stay together.
Denise scott
December 21, 2014
RIP, I love your music
Doris Walker
November 6, 2014
RIP Bishop.... Your song "Marvelous" gets me through some tough times. Thank youfamily for sharing your dad, your bishop and your music minister. miss you
September 25, 2014
Brand New Life, thank you Bishop
RIP
Denise Tyler
January 24, 2014
BIshop you will forever be missed you were God sent and here on loan to us to give us the music of ministry that you have truly done.
barbara dabney
December 31, 2013
it is not a day that goes by that i have to hear one of the many songs that was wrote by you... i miss you not being on the face of the earth but.. god wanted you to be with him ...may the lord bless your family and to the family donot give up ,,,your pastor would want you to carry on as if he was still here ,,,may the lord jesus rest... rule and abide in you for ever more amen amen and amen
Deborah Reed
December 25, 2013
Rev Hawkins as I sit here and watch the Christmas Holiday Stellar Award performances. You are so truly missed, loved and will forever live in our hearts.
Wanda Burch
November 7, 2013
Heaven now house an awesome song writer and singer. "Thank You Lord for creating Walter Hawkins." Forever missed and loved. Wanda Johnson Burch,devoted fan.
tawny kelley
September 27, 2013
my mom exposed me to the music of the late walter hawkins i admired his boldness though he is sadly missed and remembered our lived lives go on as changed or to forever remian the same
tawny kelley
September 27, 2013
marvelous things god has done i tawny kelley grew up on walter hawkins music missed but a legion of great songs are left behind
Camilla
May 23, 2013
Your music is a legacy in which i honor and grew up listening to at Bishop issac King Jr (Pentecostal Temple C.O.G.I.C)....."What ever it is" keeps me motivated....Rest in God's Arms!!!
Forever A Fan
May 17, 2013
Bishop Walter Hawkins, I really miss you, but I know you are with the GOD that you loved, talked, sang, wrote and preached about. You were my favorite gospel singer, and I know you are resting in paradise.
BJ F
May 7, 2013
Bishop Hawkins, you are forever missed!
Anaja Robinson
April 25, 2013
It is still hard for me to get over the passing of Bishop Hawkins! To me he was the greatest gospel singer but I know that he is singing for God! He was the best!
GRACE SEXTON
February 18, 2013
BISHOP YOU ARE SORELY MISSED...... RIP
Vonda Stegall
December 16, 2012
"Just heard my favorite gospel songs since I 1st heard it, it's still blessing me after all these years "I won't complain", thank you for your ministry, thank you Almighty God for your light shining in Pastor Walter Hawkins.
Love to your family and friends,
Vonda
Pamela Harris
April 29, 2012
The best gospel singer is now singing with the Lord.I play your music everyday it keeps me going and keeps my head up.You are still in everyone's heart and is sooo missed.
D'Juana McFarland
April 28, 2012
Always hold on to the memories. My GOD im watching Bishop singing on old school backstage pass....The anointing in his voice.
linda loving
September 6, 2011
bishop hawkins, it's hard to believe that its been a year since you made your transition to be with our lord and savior jesus christ whom you truly glorified through song and worship. i know for a fact that you were a man that was truly touched and annointed by god. your songs are timeless. i love listening to your songs because i can feel the annointing in your voice. my thoughts and prayers are with your family. your songs made a difference in peoples lives rest in peace bishop hawkins.
Donna Johnson-Thomas
August 23, 2011
Remembering Walter, especially on this day when another great song-writer/singer has left us (Nick Ashford). God's heavenly choir has been increased. Thank you Walter, you are missed!
July 11, 2011
So hard to believe that it has been one year today since the passing of Pastor Walter Hawkins.It's hard to believe that he is gone.I still miss him. But his music still live on. Keep resting Pastor Hawkins.You are miss VERY MUCH.
Dlg
Sharletha Wiley
June 27, 2011
Walter Hawkins and the Hawkins singers were a big inspiration in my life. Rev. Hawkins and his music will live on. I would like to send my condolescence to the family. We will all miss his singing which was so touching and the family will also miss him. We will keep the family in our prayers and their music will always live on. God bless the family.
Sonya davis
May 11, 2011
My name is Sonya Davis born and raised in Jacksonville,Florida.My father the late Rev Bill Coleman sponsored a concert many years ago featuring the Rev.Walter Hawkins and the Hawkins singers.Before then and to this day Rev.Walter Hawkins has been an inspiration in and on my life.All the songs that he has ever recorded has been songs of great memories I will cherish them.Rev.Walter Hawkins even though you are gone you still live on in the music world.
Mary Patrick
March 2, 2011
March 02,2010 " Bishop Hawkins music has been so inspiring to me in this season of my life especially the song Marvelous. When I think of the wounderful thing God has done given us His Son Jesus Christ to bring us into His wounderful plan. That song will always be dear to me and my walk with God it make me understand how the angels look at us and wounder at this position we have with Christ in heavenly places and it sad we who has it dont understand how to us it
joyce cropp
January 30, 2011
Great Man of God and a Great Gospel Singer.
Anthony Blessed
January 19, 2011
Bishop You have been such a blessing in my life, the many songs you've blessed us went through out the years lead me to sing and minister the word of the Lord, You were a very blessed and highly favored man and God, and You are truly missed Bishop. GOD BLESS THE HAWKINS FAMILY
De'Lisa Thames
January 17, 2011
I grew up on the hawkins family I will forever remember Bishop And Family! To be absent from the body is present with the lord!
Lynn CarterConte carter
October 20, 2010
"This was truly a man of God, he gave us testimony in song . If you never knew God or his presence he showed you who he was. Marvelous is the one that brought God back into my life and I am so thankful."
Lynn Carter_Conte (PA)
October 2, 2010
To the Bishop Walter Hawkins family, may God bless & keep you, you are in my prayers, I am a member of Ephisian COGIC in Berkely, CA, I also attended your church on E 14th ST in Oakland, enjoyed the service very much, it is always a blessing when I walk thru the doors, the spirit of the Lord is in the place.
With Love & Prayers
Brenda Mays
Barbara Campbell
September 1, 2010
Family, I am truly sorry to hear about the lost of your loved one, Bishop Walter Hawkins. Please know that others care and acknowledge the pain you are feeling. He will live forever through the genius of his music. May the Lord our God, continue to sustain you and give you peace. "Oh Happy Day", he is resting in peace.
Rose Nyako
August 28, 2010
I will forever remember "The Hawkins Family", Oh Happy Day!, My prayers are for Walter Hawkins family, may he rest in peace.
DORIS SMITH
August 28, 2010
I was a sinner needing a Savior, when the Hawkins Family sang "Oh Happy Day" that day JESUS came into my life. Bishop Hawkins will be missed,but the Bible tells me 'TO BE ABSENT FROM THE BODY IS TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD'. He is in a better place, family I pray for you, miss him; but know you shall see him again. God bless each of you may GOD cause HIS face to shine upon you and grnat peace to in the time of sorrow.
selena mcbride
August 24, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
August 24, 2010
Walter Hawkins and the entire family has been an inspiration to me. We grew up listening and singing songs by the Hawkins singers. I sang with my family and I was the Tramaine of the family. Edward, Walter and the rest of the family is such a legacy. God Bless your family during this difficult time. I know you will miss Walter and so will I and many more people.
God bless You. Debra Lee (KCMO)
e hollis
August 20, 2010
gospel music lost one of its most important family member. He was a legend and will never be forgotten by all those who listen to him and loved him
August 11, 2010
To the Hawkins Family,
Although I never met Bishop Walter Hawkins personally, my family's music group knew of him through all of the music he wrote, as we sang several of Edwin and Bishop's songs at my dad's church in Tennessee.
I hope that you can find comfort in knowing that Bishop Walter is no longer in pain and suffering here on this earth, but he is safe in the arms of Jesus. He is writing music for the heavenly choir.
God bless you all during this difficult time. My prayers are with you.
Dorcas Michaelson (Maplewood, MN)
August 9, 2010
God, where do I begin? Words are not enough to express how I feel. My heart is heavy, indeed. Walter Hawkins was like a musical angel sent to give us daily doses
of God's love. During my college years in
the late seventies and early eighties,
his music was my bridge, my salvation, my
strength during difficult times and happy times as well. Even now, my wife and I
just love the Love Alive projects, etc. The music still have the same effect.
We send our prayers to the Hawkins Family.
May God continue to bless you during this difficult time. One Love, E.Cleveland (Chicago, IL)
April Burns
August 9, 2010
I grew up with your music. It shaped and changed my life while easing the pain of many disappointments; But, allowing always a bridge to Jesus with every note! Favorite songs: Full and Complete; Thank You; Until I Found the Lord, OH Happy Day; God is Standing By; He will Open Doors; What is This; Everytime I Feel the Spirit; He's that Kind of Friend; Goin up a Yonder; and so, so many others!
Thank You for sharing the Lord's thoughts through song. The Lords continues to keep me through your songs.
August 8, 2010
I AM PRAYING FOR THE HAWKINS FAMILY .KEEP ON LOOKING TO GOD HE WILL HELP.VERONICA MASON BARTOW FL
August 8, 2010
to the hawkins family god bless you and keep you veronica mason bartow,fl love hear him sang
GOD IS STANDING BY
Alonzo
August 8, 2010
ALTON N.
August 8, 2010
I am still playing Walter Hawkins and The Love Center Choir Love ALIVE CD's in the car in heavy rotation! Reflecting back on each selection and reminiscing on how I've been blessed by the music ministry and the WORD.
Brenda Hicks-Russell
August 7, 2010
God Bless the Hawkins Family and the community at large. God has taken one of his angels here on earth, and transported him home to sing in the heavenly choir. Bishop Hawkins' light and legacy will shine and endure forever. Peace,
Tania Ward
August 6, 2010
I fell in love with Bishop's ministry at 6 years old i had my plastic record player playing Be Grateful over and over... i would just sit in m room and cry because I agreed with message of that song. As I’ve grown older my love has grown and I have followed his ministry and career. I was sad when he divorced and proud when he became Bishop,even prouder when he and Tremaine continued to sing together. I have passed that love to sons and there are 3 generations (so far) that his gift has impacted. We thank you for sharing him with us. I’m heartbroken today. I couldn’t have loved him more if he were flesh of my flesh... he wrote the songs on the soundtrack of my life and i am soo grateful to have known him at all..
August 5, 2010
God bless the Hawkins family. Bishop Hawkins was and will always be a favorite of mine. When I am feeling down, I put on Tramaine's Live and play it over and over and never ever get tired of the inspirational words song through annointed people. I love all of his songs, he knew how to move, inspire God's children. Bishop Hawkins will be truly missed by all of us but God never ever make a mistake. Surely, the work he has done did speak for him, I pray that God will continue to give the Hawkins family the strength to carry on this mighty work that Bishop Hawkins has laid the ground work before us. To the Hawkins family, Jamie, Traimaine and all of the church family, you have work to do. Continue the work, please do not let it stop and I am sure Bishop Hawkins would not want this to happen. A servant of God, well done. A Great Inspiration in my heart.
Shirley Mobley Franklin
New Orleans, La
Michael Cooper
August 2, 2010
To the Hawkins thank you for shareing your Brother, Father, Son, Uncle etc.. with the world he truly was a special person. He is singing God praises in Heaven right now.
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