Judith Lynn Hawkins, beloved matriarch of our family, passed away on February 3, 2023 at age 86. Born to Louis and Dorothy Signorella in Tarentum, PA, she moved to Covington, VA at age 15 where she met the love of her life and husband of 52 years, David Gray Hawkins.
Judith was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Louis, and sister Andrea. She is survived by her sister, Phyllis Webb, and children: Amy Doss, Mindy Banko (Richard), David Hawkins (Jennifer Cardoza), and Adam Hawkins (Mary). She is also survived by the joys of her life: grandchildren Whitney Donoghue (Liam), Mackenzie Verniero (JD), Cortland Conner, Nathaniel Hawkins, and Jory Cardoza, in addition to great-grandchildren Ivy and Berke Verniero and Esme Donoghue.
Our beautiful Nana was a cheerleader in junior high, head majorette in high school, and Soap Box Derby Queen. She was a homemaker who also held a variety of occupations including Executive Assistant to the Commissioner of the FEC, and later followed a lifelong dream of nursing by completing her CNA training. Judith and David were proud Virginians and ultimately retired to the mountains of Nelson County. She loved the Blue Ridge Mountains, the ocean, reading, knitting and crocheting, flowers in the garden, the Hallmark Channel, UVA basketball, Clemson football, the Steelers, a Margarita on the rocks, watching the birds and deer, and sitting on the front porch enjoying the sun and engaging with her neighborhood friends. She was an ardent supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Judith was one of a kind and possessed a generous and beautiful spirit. She was a loving, devoted mother who lived her life for her family, and this essence of Mom will be what helps us prepare for a future without her. Mom, we will miss hearing you say “Lord Save Us” and giving an eye roll – your irreplaceable charm and humor will stay with us always.
Teague Funeral Service is assisting the family with arrangements. Per Mom’s request, there will be no formal service. A Celebration in her honor will be planned in the Spring for family and friends.