Edna Marie Hawkins (Swearingin)

Edna Marie (Swearingin) Hawkins passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 7, 2023. She was 90 years old. Edna was born at home to Clyde and Nellie Swearingin on December 19, 1932. She was one of 9 children and they were all raised on a farm in Norborne, Missouri.

Edna graduated from Carrollton high school in 1951. It was then that she met the love of her life and best friend Norman Daymon Hawkins. They were married on February 24, 1952. A few years later they bought their first home in Independence, Missouri and started a family. They raised 3 children there and remained in that home their entire lives. As the kids grew older Edna began her career with the Missouri Pacific/Union Pacific railroad. She began as a secretary and worked her way up to management duties for 31 years until her retirement. Edna was a strong woman of faith. She was a member of the River Boulevard Baptist Church for over 50 years. She dedicated her time serving the Lord, volunteering at the Independence Regional hospital, the Sermon Center and the Palmer Senior Center up until her passing. Edna enjoyed people and loved her family unconditionally. When Edna wasn’t serving others she could be found crafting, working on a puzzle or doing yardwork. She took great pride in her garden, was an avid reader and never let life slow her down. Edna’s kind, graceful, powerful personality will be missed greatly by those she loved.

She’s survived by her daughter, Janice “Jan” Jasper; sons, Michael “Mike” D. Hawkins (Darla), Nickolas “Nick” D. Hawkins (Melody); numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; 4 sisters and 2 brothers.

Edna is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norman; parents, 1 sister, 1 brother and her grandson, Kody Jasper.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to River Boulevard Baptist Church, 3212 N. River Blvd, Independence, MO. 64050.