Arnell Hawkins

Arnell Hawkins NORFOLK - Arnell Hawkins, 73, passed away Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, peacefully and gently at her residence. Mrs. Hawkins was a native of Norfolk, the daughter of the late Vanderbilt and Margaret Freeman, and the wife of the late James Hawkins. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, confidant and friend. She was educated in, and retired from, the Norfolk public schools system (food service). For more than 50 years, she was a faithful member of First Trinity AME Church where she served the latter 15 years as the president of the Senior Choir, countless years as a member of the Stewardess Board, and in various other capacities for the ministry. In 2006, Mrs. Hawkins joined Wisdom of God Ministries, where her son, Raymond Taylor, is senior pastor. She was the church mother and served on the finance committee. Mrs. Hawkins blessed the lives of countless people through her diligence in prayer, her love for the Word of God, and her determination to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Arnell Hawkins leaves to cherish her memory one devoted daughter, Valarie Pitt (Donald) and one faithful son, Raymond Taylor (Dawn), both of Portsmouth; a sister, Ruby Nichols (Overton) of Chesapeake; five grandchildren, Nisheka, Nyikia, Anthonyray, Rayniah, and Shekinah Taylor; and one special niece, Martha Cooper. A homegoing service will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m. in First Trinity AME Church, 1301 Elco St., Chesapeake, 23324. Metropolitan Funeral Service, Berkley Ave. Chapel, is in charge. Condolences may be offered at www.metropolitanfuneralservice.com.