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Hawk, JoBeth
JoBeth Hawk, loving wife, mother, sister and daughter, passed away Sun., Feb. 12, 2017 in Las Cruces after a six-year battle with ovarian cancer. With her family by her side, she died peacefully at the age of 64.
Born in Deming, NM in 1952, JoBeth was the third child of Joe and Verna Stell. Within two years the family would move to Carlsbad, NM where JoBeth would grow up and graduate from Carlsbad High School in 1970. She was very active in high school including running hurdles in track, Art Club, and being a Cavegirl. After high school, JoBeth attended Eastern New Mexico University becoming the first woman to complete the Industrial Arts program while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975. While at ENMU, she would meet and marry Gary Edwards. Happily, they had 2 children, Jennifer Leigh & Jeremy Todd.
By now a single mother, JoBeth returned to Eastern earning a Master of Education degree in 1980. Shortly after graduation, she worked at ENMU's Clovis campus. In 1983, she met local radio personality Jim Hawk. They married in 1985 and had two children, Jacquelyn Stell and James Andrew.
In 1986, the new family moved to Las Cruces and by 1989 JoBeth began teaching at Mayfield High School. Her first year at MHS required her to teach three different subjects and push a shopping cart from classroom to classroom as she did not have her own room. Eventually, she would have her own classroom and took to the task of rebuilding the school's drafting program. This task included finding drafting desks that had been scattered around campus and keeping tools in her classroom to keep those drafting desks from collapsing! JoBeth kept long hours at Mayfield, working in her classroom nights, weekends, and holidays so that students involved in extracurricular activities would have time to access the tools they needed to complete assignments. In addition, JoBeth sponsored the National Honor Society and coached track and Pom Pons. She also served on the Academy Selection Board, interviewing students seeking appointments to the U. S. military academies.
JoBeth stayed at Mayfield until 2004 when she moved to Albuquerque. Commuting daily to Santa Fe, JoBeth worked for the state Public Education Department where she was instrumental in two significant statewide high school programs: High Schools That Work and Project Lead The Way. After missing the interaction with students, she would accept a position at Cibola High School in Albuquerque. First, as the campus Technology Coordinator, and one year later as Assistant Principal responsible for curriculum.
In 2010, JoBeth returned to Mayfield, this time as Principal, a position she held until she retired from education in late 2015. During that time, JoBeth never tired of attending student activities and encouraging students to strive to achieve great heights. She was also active with her alma mater, serving on the alumni board of directors for almost a decade until her health forced her resignation earlier this year.
In addition to her many professional accomplishments, JoBeth was a great listener, always kind, supportive, encouraging and loved to play a good practical joke.
JoBeth is survived by her husband Jim, of the family home, daughter Jennifer (and Jon) Selander of Clinton Corners, NY, son Jeremy (and Laurie) Edwards of Colorado Springs, CO, daughter Jacquelyn (and Ray) Pierce of Las Cruces, NM, and son Drew Hawk of Atlanta, GA. She is also survived by three grandsons, Ryan, Jonathan and Matthew, and granddaughter Josephine, her parents Joe and Verna Stell of Carlsbad, NM, brother Jim (and Janine) Stell of Gainesboro, TN, sister, Linda Stell, of Carlsbad, NM, and brother-in-law, Grant Kinzer of Las Cruces, NM. She was preceded in death by her sister Cathy.
Services to celebrate JoBeth's life are set for Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road, Las Cruces, NM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions be made to the JoBeth Hawk scholarship at Eastern New Mexico University: Eastern New Mexico University Foundation, JoBeth Hawk Scholarship, Station 8, 1500 S. Ave. K, Portales, NM 88130.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Neat lady and touched man life's
Kevin
June 12, 2023
My sincerest condolences to the Hawk family, especially Jacquelyn. A graduate of MHS in 2003, I had the honor of being her student in the drafting program. She instilled a deep respect for the work we did and I carry that forward in my work as a designer today. I will always remember her judicious, yet caring, nature. Thank you, Mrs. Hawk, for the way you lit our paths. I truly feel for her children - to lose such a beautiful Mom so early. You are in my heart.
Lindsey J
July 14, 2017
Jim,
I am sorry for your family's loss. I met Jo Beth a few times through you when I was still in Las Cruces and found her to be a funny and compassionate person. I admire her commitment to education and her dedication to students. Take care.
J. Kim McNutt
March 1, 2017
Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Very sorry for your loss.
Lynda Lynch
March 1, 2017
There's so many things I could say, but of all, she was a person who changed my life forever and in some of the best ways possible. If not for her, who knows where I'd be... Thank you, Mrs. Hawk. You will be missed. Class of 1996.
Elana R.
February 27, 2017
JoBeth was a beautiful woman and wonderful friend and administrator/ educator. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family; she will be dearly missed. May you be comforted by your memories and knowledge that she is in God's presence now.
Gina Rivera
February 24, 2017
My deepest condolences to Mrs. Hawk's family. Mrs. Hawk was my freshman civics teacher at Mayfield. Even though I was a horrible student with a bad attitude she was always trying to encourage me to do better in school and get involved in sports. Every time I would pass her in the hallway she would always smile and ask me how I was doing. She was a great teacher and an even better person. May she rest in peace.
DeAngelo Nieves
February 22, 2017
Our sincerest prayers and condolences go out to the Hawk family. Joe Beth was a great colleague and principal who I had the pleasure of working with at Mayfield HS. I took my daughter to meet her when Christina was fighting cancer herself and Mrs. Hawk was a great inspiration to her. We appreciated her encouragement very much.
joe Hidalgo
February 22, 2017
I have fond High School memories of JoBeth in Carlsbad. Our children also graduated from the University of Alabama the same year. Our deepest condolences to her family from Brenda Lehman Davidson and the other Lehman siblings (Linda, Danny, and Mike)
Brenda Davidson
February 21, 2017
Keith Rodolph
February 20, 2017
Keith Rodolph
February 20, 2017
We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience. Teilhard de Chardin. I am a retired teacher who had the privilege of serving as a substitute teacher for 6 years and facilitator for Institute for Parent Engagement at Mayfield High School with JoBeth as principal. From my first year onward, her office was always open for help and she readily made me feel as a respected and valued part of the faculty at Mayfield. Her concern went deeper when I had a friend who was undergoing treatment for cancer at MD Anderson as she freely offered advice and counsel. She was a special friend and colleague who cared deeply for her students and faculty and staff. May she be at peace with Jesus.
Mary Elis Anderson
February 20, 2017
Thank you for the best High School years Mrs. Hawk! Mayfield will never be the same. XOXO c/o 2012
Dominique Gomez
February 20, 2017
I graduated from Mayfield in 2003, and during that time I took 2 classes taught by Mrs. Hawk. She was always tough but fair, and pushed us to do better than we thought we could. Very sad to hear of her passing.
Francisco Perez
February 20, 2017
My condolences to the family of an amazing women who influenced so many life's over the years she was at mayfield and helped countless people throughout her life not just her students! May god bless your family in this time of hardship and know that God has her safe in his arms.
Angel Escalante
February 19, 2017
We were surprised and saddened to learn of Jo Beth's passing. We have known Jo Beth since she taught our children at Mayfield HS. She was an excellent teacher and a very nice person who will be missed. Our condolences to her family.
Louis and Nora Corpening
February 19, 2017
JoBeth was one of the finest ladies we ever met. Our deepest condolences to Jim, Jeremy, and the rest of her family. We will miss her her dearly.
Coach and MaryLou Trevizo
February 19, 2017
My deepest sympathies for your loss. She was truly a great woman and will be in my prayers every day.
February 19, 2017
I was saddened to hear of Jo Beth's passing - while I never knew her personally I am an old friend of Jim's and through him felt I got to know her as well. My heart and prayers go out to Jim and Jo Beth's family and friends. Peace be with all of you.
Catherine Westergaard-Cramer
February 19, 2017
My condolences to Mrs Hawks family in their loss. She was such an awesome teacher during my years at Mayfield, 92-96, always encouraging me and other students to never give up. A great mentor during drafting class always pushing me to succeed. She will be missed. Thank you Mrs. Hawk for all that you did.
Jesus Cereceres
February 19, 2017
So very sorry to learn of JOBETHS passing. I also graduated in 1970 and I will always remember her smile. My thoughts and prayers to the family especially her parents. Gods blessings. May she rest in peace.
Corina M.
February 19, 2017
I have known Jobeth since we were freshman at mid high school in Carlsbad N.M. ,she has always had that smile and laugh that was always truly sincere,She will be truley missed by everyone she ever met,my thoughts and prayers go out to Jim,her kids,and grandkids who she loved so much and to her dear sweet parents,she is leaving a loved family behind but I have no doubt we will see her again!
Rex D. Muncrief
February 19, 2017
Sorry for the loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Jerry Smith
February 19, 2017
Mayfield will never be the same! She was the best Principal they've ever had and all the kids just adored her so much! We were so very sorry to hear she had passed away. She fought the good fight and even through her misery she managed to attend nearly all their functions at Mayfield. She was truly an angel!! She will be sorely missed by all of her Trojans! R.I.P, JoBeth your reward is waiting!
Cynthia Holmes
February 19, 2017
Mrs Hawk was truly an inspiration to everyone! She ALWAYS had a BIG hug for me no matter if it was at a bball game,pep rally or just visiting the office. She loved my dog Sassy and would show her off to everyone in the office:) she will be missed by so many people but we know she isn't suffering anymore and that Heaven has truly gained an Angel!!!!
Terre Blevins
February 19, 2017
Your smile and beauty will be remembered always. You touched many lives, leaving us with a light and joy that will never fade. Rest in peace JoBeth. Love you always, Melodie
Melodie MacDiarmid
Friend
February 19, 2017
JoBeth taught me how to not be intimidated by computers. She also found a Japanese translator from UNM to help a Japanese exchange student(at Cibola High School) to successfully solve a problem that she couldn't explain in English. One terrific lady!
Debra McGuire
February 19, 2017
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