Deborah Ann Hawkins

Deborah Ann Hawkins, a faithful churchgoer and proud member of The Order of the Daughters of the King, passed away peacefully due to natural causes at age 71 in Memphis, Tennessee, on May 4th, 2025. Deborah is survived by her 3 children, Jackie King, Marcus King, and Johnna King, and her grandchildren, Caley (Kai) Hawkins and Hayden King, as well as her brother Mark Smith and her sister-in-law Doreen Solheim and their children. She is predeceased by her mother, Barbara Dever; her father, Charles Smith; and her firstborn son, Allen Cain King. Born in Queens, New York, on July 9th, 1953, Deborah moved around the country with her military family, eventually settling into Memphis, Tennessee. She had her first child, Allen Cain King, who passed shortly after being born, then Jackie King on September 8, 1977, followed by Marcus King on December 17, 1978, and lastly Johnna King on July 10, 1983. She was a loving mother and grandmother who always stepped up when her family needed her. She never met a stranger and could talk to anyone. Her friends and family at St. John's Episcopal Church always described her as their own personal watch. Every Sunday at 5:30 she would set up the altar for service and make sure everything was attended to. She was the epitome of Christlike, and she prayed for everyone she came into contact with, even if they did not share the same beliefs or way of life as she did. She lived to serve God. She loved gardening, cooking, chatting with her family for hours on end, and- in her younger years- going out to the local rock music scene. Her memorial will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, 3245 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111, at 10:30 A.M., officiated by Father Jay. Flowers and donations in her name are appreciated to St. John's Episcopalian Church, where the memorial is held.