On January 23, 2020, Nelwyn Whitley Hawkins, 71, of Marshall, Texas, passed away peacefully in her sleep.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Hawkins, and her parents William D. and Louise Whitley.  While her unexpected departure has left a hole that can never be filled, we are comforted knowing she is finally reunited with her best friend.

A farm girl from Lucky, Louisiana, Nelwyn loved gardening and could make almost anything not only grow but thrive.  She was a wonderful mother and natural-born caregiver who would drop everything to lend a hand to anyone who was sick or in need.  The door to her home was always open to her family, her friends, her children's friends, and more.  Nelwyn enjoyed preparing delicious home cooked meals for those she loved.  Her 5-layer chocolate delight is practically famous!  Nelwyn never hesitated to help others when they needed it most; giving until it hurt was all she knew.

Her husband, who affectionately nicknamed everyone, called her Opie and Ope because of her beautiful red hair.  This unique nickname eventually evolved into Granny Ope and Guh when Nelwyn became a grandmother.  While we all know she loved her family, her precious grandbabies were truly the light of her life.  We will definitely miss the "snuggle love!"

Nelwyn is survived by her daughter Judy Dill and her husband Brian of Atlanta, Georgia, and her son, Steve Hawkins and his wife Rachel of Marshall, Texas; her grandchildren, Alex and Rebecca Dill and William and Elizabeth Hawkins; her sisters Dell Priest and husband John, Paula Kaercher and husband Ron, and Carla Peterson and husband Pete; as well as numerous relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Downs Funeral Home, 4608 Elysian Fields Road, Marshall, Texas.  Burial will be at Liberty Hill's Taylor Cemetery in Bienville, Louisiana on Sunday, January 26, 2020, at 3:00 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to The Liberty Hill Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 44, Bienville, Louisiana, 71008.