Joseph Leach Hawkins

In Loving Memory of Joseph Leach Hawkins

September 11, 1936 – August 26, 2024

Joseph Leach Hawkins, age 87, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2024, in Panama City, Florida. Born on September 11, 1936, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Lucille Ford of Norfolk, Virginia, and William Hawkins of Baltimore, Maryland, Joseph lived a whole life grounded in love, purpose, and quiet strength.

The youngest of eight children, Joe was the only one to earn a college degree. His passion was physical education, and he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1959 and a Master of Arts degree in 1971, both from Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia. His debonair spirit and love for the area anchored him by the sea, where he built his home and career.

Joseph devoted his professional life to Hampton City Schools, serving as Assistant Principal at Jefferson Davis Junior High School and Spratley Junior High School. His love of athletics led him to become an undefeated head coach of football and track and field at Jefferson Davis Junior High, as well as a basketball referee. He later became the Director of Hampton City Schools' Transportation Department, retiring in 1995.

Committed to education and his community, Joseph served on several boards, including the Hampton Roads Educators Credit Union. His leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and residents throughout Hampton Roads.

Joseph was a man who believed in doing things with his hands and his heart. He had a deep love for fishing, which brought him peace and a connection with nature. He also had a gift for renovating houses-not just fixing them but breathing new life into them. His work was always a reflection of the care and pride he brought to everything he touched.

He leaves behind a loving family who will miss him dearly: his former wife, Ivey Y. Hawkins; his children, Christopher J. Hawkins and Shawn R. Hawkins; his devoted companion, Polly J. Perkins, and her daughter, Alisha Alvin; granddaughters Ivey "Jamette" Hawkins, Mikaela A. Hawkins, Corbyn N. Hawkins, and Doris N. Hawkins; grandsons Shawn R. Hawkins II, Micheal P. Hawkins, and Brandon T. Hawkins; and Polly's grandchildren, granddaughter Alexia Alvin and grandson Charmer Rainey; as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and former students-all of whom will fondly remember his stories and his pockets always full of Werther's Originals.

Joseph was preceded in death by his daughter, Jodi Lucille Hawkins of Hampton, Virginia; his sisters Ruth Hawkins, Helen Conley, Leah Fitzhugh, Mildred Hawkins, Gloria Keith, and Ethel "Sally" Ford, and his older brother, Eugene Hawkins, all of Baltimore, Maryland-loved ones whose memories remained close to his heart.

Joseph's legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the lives he touched, and the love he shared so freely. He will be remembered not just for what he did, but for who he was: a father, a mentor, a friend, and a man of quiet wisdom.