Willa Dean Hawthorne

Willa Dean Hawthorne
September 13, 1926 ~ April 27, 2024
Willa Dean was born the oldest of three daughters to Homer and Agnes Steger in Cass County, Texas. After graduating from high school, she married Cecil Roy Hawthorne and forged a home in Van, Texas with him and their three children for almost 20 years before moving to West Texas where Cecil's work took him. They retired in Cass County where Dean worked for 20 years at Cass County Crisis Center Food and Clothing Distribution.
It is in West Texas where Dean established the first daycare of Andrews First Baptist Church, which she managed for 14 years, overseeing its growth from a handful of children to hundreds.
Dean was affectionately known as Nanny Dean by her six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
She spent the last 10 years of her life at Buckner Westminster Retirement Home in Longview.
Most important to Dean was her lifelong, faithful walk with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a loving wife and mother to her husband and family, and a dear friend to many. She loved to visit with friends and family, cook delicious pies and sweets, and was a gifted seamstress and quiltmaker.
As she returns to Jesus, her grandchildren and children rise up and call her blessed for a life well lived in serving others.
Graveside services will be 1:00 pm, Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Laws Chapel Cemetery, under the direction of Hanner Funeral Service, with Bro. Wade Akins officiating.