It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, Blanche Marie Jackson, on August 21, 2024. Full of love, laughter, and resilience, she touched the lives of all who knew her. She is preceded in death by her father, James “Jimmie Lee” Hawthorne, mother, Birdie Lee Hawthorne, sisters; Annie Byrd, Jeannie Dean, and Mary Jones and brothers; James Hawthorne, Michael Hawthorne, and Paul Hawthorne.
She is survived by her sons Derrick Hawthorne, Amir (Shundra) Islam, and Tarrance “Tank” (Kathy) Holcombe, 2 brothers, Brady (Karen) Hawthorne and Ricky Hawthorne, a devoted nephew Labarron (Sharon) Jones, a devoted niece Charlene D. Jones, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, friends that were near and far.
Blanche Marie Jackson was born Blanche Marie Hawthorne (affectionately called Rie) to Birdie Lee Hawthorne and James “Jimmie Lee” Hawthorne on October 20, 1950 in Mobile, Alabama. From that day forward, Marie was considered a “fireball”! At an early age, she became a believer in the Christian Faith. She went on to graduate from Central High School and continued her education at Bishop State College, both located in Mobile while holding down several jobs and raising her sons. After 49 years in Mobile, she wanted to make some life changes and decided to move to Virginia, where her youngest son Tank and his family resided. She quickly acclimated to the area, and her outgoing personality allowed her to make new acquittances and find employment in the Hampton Roads area. She spent her last 24 years as a Virginia Beach resident.
Marie was fearless, and she demanded that same spirit from her sons. She would quickly reprimand them if they showed any fear towards any person or circumstance. She taught them that it was okay to be leery, but never be fearful! Her motto was “On your feet… never on your knees!” This attitude stemmed from growing up in the “Jim Crow” South where she had experienced racial discrimination and bigotry. During one particular incident in 1981, Marie was told by a man that he was a member of the KKK and that she should tread carefully. At that moment, she morphed into “Rie”, showed her fearlessness, and stated, “I am not afraid of some punk who, when you walk out the house, you have to take your bed sheet with you!”
Marie was a beautiful woman. She kept herself nicely dressed, her hair coiffed and make-up to match even if she was just going to the grocery store. Men would inquire about her all the time! The response of her sons would always be; “You may want to second-guess your inquiries…you may well be out of your league!”
Marie had a very bubbly and expressive personality. She lit up any room that she entered. Her presence demanded attention and she knew it. She had an uncanny ability to tell jokes, and outlandish stories, and as we say in the South “light em’ up!” She passed this on to her sons, Amir and Tank. To family and friends, she was a beacon of unwavering friendship and kindness. She has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. She walked boldly, never stumbling in the face of adversity. Her presence will surely be missed. We will forever cherish her memory and hold her near and dear to our hearts.
From Derrick, Amir, and Tank:
Our Mother was exactly what we needed in our lives; perfectly placed by God. Her presence reminded us that we serve a God of abundance, not a God of “just enough”. Momma, you are gone from this place to rejoin our ancestors and gain your omnipotent awareness that you may live within us. With open hearts, we welcome you and we will never ever forget you!
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Earl Jackson says
August 27, 2024 at 8:28 amSending my condolences to you and your family 🙏🙏🙏
Earl Jackson
Jo Anne Powell Scott says
August 27, 2024 at 11:40 amRIP Blanche! She was a kind and loving person who loved her family and her Heavenly Father. So glad she is now out of pain and reunited with her loved ones who have passed before. My condolences and prayers to her family she leaves behind.
Jo Anne Powell Scott
Suzanne Milansk says
August 28, 2024 at 6:32 pmShe had a beautiful smile and loving heart and would gladly help anyone she knew. I will miss her sweet love and knowledge of the Lord’s blessing upon her life. She often said she knew He watched over her and she had felt heaven’s protective care in her life. My prayers are with her wonderful family and know angels are comforting them at this time of loss.
Suzanne Milanak says
August 28, 2024 at 6:32 pmShe had a beautiful smile and loving heart and would gladly help anyone she knew. I will miss her sweet love and knowledge of the Lord’s blessing upon her life. She often said she knew He watched over her and she had felt heaven’s protective care in her life. My prayers are with her wonderful family and know angels are comforting them at this time of loss.
Gwen Davis says
August 29, 2024 at 12:59 pmBlanche you were such a beautiful person inside out !! Thank you god you are now with your !! May god bless you to Rest in peace ! My deepest condolences to your family ! May God bless them and keep you safe !! A lot of times that I talk with her ! She really knew the lord !! So sorry for your loss !!🙏🏽😇
Helen Dickerson says
August 30, 2024 at 3:36 pmMy condolences, deepest sympathy and prayers 🙏. RIP my dear friend on your Heavenly home. Blessings and love ❤️ Helen Dickerson
Lorraine Earley says
August 30, 2024 at 4:12 pmGod be with the family