Kathy Jean Hawkins

Kathy Jean Hawkins of Emporia died on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at her home.  She was 73.

Kathy was born in Topeka, Kansas on June 4, 1951, to Reverend Wardell Allen

Hazel Ella Smith Chambers.  Kathy was raised and attended school in Emporia, where she received her Certified Nurse Aide license in the 90’s.  She worked as a CNA for over 15 years before working as a Home Health Aide. She took great pride in her job and loved helping people.  Kathy was a member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Emporia.

Kathy married Deacon Robert Lee Hawkins on October 12, 1972, at the St. James Missionary Baptist Church. They met at a New Years Eve party where they danced to Rapper's Delight and were together ever since. The couple was married for 48 years until Robert's passing.

She was an avid bingo player and enjoyed embroidery. Kathy had an incredible interest in stencil work. She will be remembered for her quick but loving wit. She never did care for no nonsense; she gave it to you straight. Her life advice was always top tier, like to never go to bed naked, just in case your house catches on fire.

Kathy is survived by her sons Robert Allen Chambers of Kenosha, WI and Darrell Lamar Moore of Emporia, and daughters Lezah Hawkins and Calizta Hawkins of Emporia, 11 grandchildren, host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, Rev Wardell A. Chambers and Hazel E. Smith Chambers, brothers Donald Chambers and Robert L Chambers, sisters Wanda Marshall, Betty Chambers, Anita Louise Coats and Ruth Chambers.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, Emporia.  Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 1, 2025, at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Emporia with burial following at the Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Emporia.  Memorial contributions to the St. James Missionary Baptist Church can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.