BORN

1933

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Myers Funeral Service and Crematory

248 North E Street

Porterville, California

Barbara Hawkins Brown Obituary

Our beloved Mother, Sister and Aunt, Barbara May Hawkins Brown peacefully passed away on Monday, May 18, 2015. Barbara, the youngest of five children, was born on November 8, 1933 in Ducor California, to Ernest & Ina Hawkins. She was raised in Ducor and Terra Bella and graduated from Porterville High School in 1951.
Barbara was married to Roger Brown in 1953. They made their home in Fresno while Roger was attending college. In 1955 they returned to Porterville and started their family. They enjoyed dancing, traveling, the cabin at Camp Nelson, Veterans Day Celebrations, trips to the casinos in Nevada, and enjoying the company of friends and family.
Barbara and Roger were actively involved in the "51 Club", a group of close friends who graduated from PHS in 1951. From the first 10 year reunion, Barb was on the Reunion Planning Committee. She served on various committees and was the committee co-chair in 2006 & 2011. She was looking forward to the 65th in 2016.
Barbara was employed at Magnolia Citrus and then worked for Jostens as an inspector until her retirement. She was instrumental in supporting the Jostens Employee Reunions. It was through a co-worker at Jostens where she met her companion of 18 years, Bill Simpkins. She and Bill enjoyed trips in their RV throughout the United States. They spent many happy summers in Wyoming and winters in Lake Havasu.
Barbara is survived by daughters Marcia of Atlantic Beach, NC and Kerry of Visalia, Brother Harlan Hawkins of Florence, SC, her companion Bill Simpkins and many beloved nieces and nephews. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Roger Brown, Sisters, Mary Howell and Pauline Durbin and Brother, Wyman Hawkins.
Visitation will be on Thursday, May 21, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Myers Funeral Chapel. Services will be held Friday, May 22, 2015 at 10:00 am at Hillcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Porterville Historical Museum, 257 No. D Street, Porterville, CA. 93257.

Published by The Porterville Recorder from May 21 to May 22, 2015.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Hawkins Brown

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

barbarayouandrogerareaclassactilovedbothofyoubobbybrownclassof51brown0927atsbcglobaj.net

May 25, 2015

Condolences to the family, friends and Bill, I am sorry for your loss. Jostens held a lot of memories for many, me, too, that's where I met the Lady that would tell you how she felt. I enjoyed her, she taught me about Inspection of printed materials. I will miss our bumping into one another on our shopping days, was always good to see her and Bill. She will be missed, May God Bless you all... Terri Drake

May 22, 2015

Barbara and I were friends in high school and graduated together in 1951. I last saw her some time in the 1990's when she and a friend visited Australia, We had dinner at a restaurant near the beach in Manly, where I lived at the time, and she caught me up on all the gossip from Porterville. She hadn't changed; still the warm, outgoing funny lady she had been in high school. From many thousand miles away, she will be missed.

Phillip R (Ron) Cohen

May 21, 2015

I treasure the wonderful visit with Barbara last Christmas. She will be missed by many. My sincere sympathy. Sharon Castle Wolf (1951)

May 21, 2015

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Barbara Hawkins Brown's name

Memorial Events
for Barbara Hawkins Brown

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Myers Funeral Service and Crematory

248 North E Street, Porterville, CA 93257

How to support Barbara's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Barbara Hawkins Brown's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more