Michael W. Hawkes

On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Michael Wadsworth Hawkes, peacefully entered eternal rest at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, VA after a short illness. He was seventy-four years of age.
Michael was born on July 22, 1950 in Richmond, VA. He was the oldest of four children to Rosebud Manning Hawkes and the late Wadsworth Edward Hawkes of Blackstone, VA. He was preceded in death by one brother, Andre' Ira Hawkes.
At the age of eleven, Michael accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church.
Michael was married for over forty years to Jacqueline Diggs-Hawkes. His step-son, Marcus Diggs, died in 2010.
Growing up and around the funeral business, Michael knew he wanted to become a Mortician at the age of ten. His father, the late Wadsworth Edward Hawkes, opened W.E. Hawkes Funeral Home in 1959. His mother, Rosebud Manning Hawkes, is the daughter of the late Walter J. and Rosena P. Manning. Michael's maternal grandfather was the Funeral Director and owner of Walter J. Manning Funeral Home in Richmond, VA.
Michael was a 1968 graduate of Luther Foster High School in Blackstone, VA. He attended Strayer College in Washington, DC, where he received Associates Degree in Business Administration. He then attended the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science from 1972-1973. Michael took his Apprenticeship in Arlington, VA by his mentor, the late Robert Baker of Chinn Baker Funeral Home. He became an Embalmer in 1973. Michael was also a Metro City Bus Driver in Northern, VA from 1973-1978.
Michael returned to Blackstone in 1978 to work with his father at W.E. Hawkes Funeral Home. Shortly thereafter, Michael's father renamed the funeral home, W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home.
Michael's dream was always to run his own funeral home. He purchased land and founded the Michael W. Hawkes Funeral Home in Amelia, VA in 1983. His father mentored him to be empathetic, considerate, compassionate and humble. He taught Michael to serve his community with Dignity and Respect.
After the death of his father in 1990, Michael took over his father's funeral home. He served in the communities of Blackstone and Amelia faithfully. He had great relationships with the families of Nottoway, Amelia, Lunenburg, and surrounding counties.
Michael was honored at the Blackstone Juneteenth Festival in June 2023. he received a Black History Heroes Award. He was nominated for the honor for being a respected figure in Nottoway County as one of the longest-running African American funeral service providers. He dedicated himself to assisting families in their time of loss with warm and caring support. His staff mirrors this commitment.
Michael leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Jacqueline Diggs-Hawkes of Chester, VA; his mother, Rosebud Manning Hawkes and his sister, Mary Helen Hawkes, both of Ashburn, VA; his brother, Rudolph Manning Hawkes of Atlanta, GA; three aunts, Ruth Jacobs of Silver Spring, MD, Toni Manning of Richmond, VA and Mary Ann Hawkes of Blackstone, VA; his uncle, Ira O. Manning of Richmond, VA; sisters-in-law, Andredoria Newsome of Chesterfield, VA, Marlena Odom od Hopewell, VA and Maria Hawkes of Mexico; a devoted godson, Anthony Williams; and a host of cousins, a loving staff, and many friends.
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