Gwendolyn Hawkins (Gwen), of Virginia Beach, Virginia, departed this life on January 23, 2025, at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, after a lengthy illness. Gwen heard the voice of God beckon her to come home and enter eternal rest; she in turn, heeded his voice and peacefully exchanged her mortal body for her promised immortal body.
Gwen was born on June 7, 1946, in Chesapeake, Virginia, (West Munden), to Roland and Flora Hawkins. She attended George Washington Carver High School, Chesapeake, Virginia, and continued her education as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Furthering her education, she graduated with a Master of Public Administration from Old Dominion University.
Gwen joined the team at Norfolk Department of Social Services, where she served the citizens of Norfolk in a variety of roles. Having a love and compassion for humanity and the fair treatment of employees within the City of Norfolk, she was an Employee Relations Counselor. Among other notable accomplishments during her employment with the City of Norfolk, she was promoted to the role of Assistant Executive Coordinator of the Norfolk Environmental Commission and Waste Management through the City of Norfolk Public Works Department.
Other notable accomplishments: a recipient of the Governor’s award from Toastmasters International, Employee of the Year for City of Norfolk, and was a representative for the Pace Program (Police Assisted Community Enforcement). She served on committees for Harbor Fest, Afram Fest, Ocean View Beach Festival, Urban League’s Strategy 2000 meeting, and the re-opening of Attucks Theatre. These and so many other roles of service earned her the recipient of the Civitan Award for her outstanding contributions to the communities within the City of Norfolk.
Gwen loved God and received Christ at an early age at Greater St. Andrews, Virginia Beach, Virginia, (Queen City), where her spiritual formation was nurtured by her maternal grandfather, Garfield Williams, and her mother, Flora Hawkins. Later in her Christian journey, she joined Way of The Cross under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Hinds and served faithfully until the Spirit of God led her to join Rock Church in Virginia Beach under the leadership of John and Anne Gimenez. Gwen served in many roles at Rock Church as a faithful servant. Later, she served at First Baptist Bute Street, Norfolk, Virginia, under the leadership of Pastor Holmes until her health prevented her from attending.
Gwen was predeceased by her parents, Roland and Flora Hawkins, and her siblings, Flora Mae, John, James, Earl, Clease, Percy, and Paul Hawkins. She was formerly married to Daniel E. Lamb, Sr., and from this union were born three sons, of whom she is survived by, Daniel Jr. (Vennessea) and Christopher of Maryland, and David Lamb of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Her legacy continues through her six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and several bonus grand and great grandchildren.
Other survivors: Siblings, Loretta Stallworth (Eure), Chesapeake, Virginia, Barbara Irby, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Dr. Rosetta Hawkins-Jones, Chesapeake, Virginia.
Plus, an extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, friends, and an incredibly special friend, Valerie “Tina” Hawkins, (David’s fiancé), who cared and supported Gwen during her illness for many years.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Apostle Larry and Pastor Wanda Herring of Living Word Healing and Restoration Ministries, as well as Bishop Leroy and Evangelist Patricia Burton of Making a Difference Ministries, for their unwavering pastoral care to Gwen, and support. We also acknowledge the dedicated prayer warriors, (Elder Doris and Sis Robin Parker), and others, for their faithful support and greatly needed prayers.
A special Thank You to Pastor Holmes and the First Baptist Bute Street Church for the display of kindness toward our family. Chief Apostle Laura Powell, Apostle Helen Thomas, and Bishop Stacey Cowand, of Community Outreach Ministry for their generous support and fervent prayers.
Thanks to the Nursing staff of Center Well Home Health and Sentara Home Health.
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Mary L Stallworth says
January 30, 2025 at 9:14 amMay God continue to comfort the family during this time of bereavement. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾
Michael Stallworth says
February 9, 2025 at 1:12 pmFor the word of the Lord states. If we live,we live to the lord;and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die ,we belong to the Lord.
Michael Stallworth says
February 9, 2025 at 1:12 pmFor the word of the Lord states. If we live,we live to the lord;and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die ,we belong to the Lord.
Kim Marshall Sr says
February 5, 2025 at 2:58 pmMy heart and prayers goes out to you and your family. I pray for strength, and wisdom and understanding for you and your family🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️
Suzanne J Weissman says
February 12, 2025 at 8:18 pmRose and Charita- I am thinking of you and yours during this sad time. Please take care. You are close to my heart.
Deacon Emeritus, Carolyn Hawkins Hayes Mt. Zion BC Norfolk, VA says
February 13, 2025 at 9:42 amTo: The Entire Hawkins Family
May you find additional comfort in knowing The Hayes Family of SONO is praying for you as you celebrate The Homegoing Service of your beautiful love one.
Bishop Charles and Lady Tramita Reid says
February 13, 2025 at 10:53 amOur condolences to your family in the loss of Sis. Gwendolyn! She was a wonderful lady and I remember her when we were members of Way of the Cross Church, under Bishop Lewis Hines, and at The Rock Church as well. I remember her as being so very kind and helpful to those that got to know her. She will be sorely missed!
Grace and Peace be to you all during this time!
Mary J. Abbyss says
February 13, 2025 at 8:08 pmGwedolyn was a neighbor from early childhood . My you cherish your precious memories .
Debbie Howard says
February 14, 2025 at 1:50 pmSending prayers for comfort and peace to the family at this time 💜🙌🏽