Submitted by: John C. Monk

 

Florence Wilson

 Sept. 29, 1928 - March 6, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Ms. Florence A. Wilson, "Mandy" to her family and friends, 81, passed away at 1:40 p.m. Saturday, March 6, 2010, after a brief illness at Sanctuary of St. Joseph Care West. On September 29, 1928, Mandy was born to the union of Fincher and Polly (Smith) Hawkins in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She moved to South Bend in 1951 to join her family. Mandy retired from Little Flower Church after more than 20 years of service. After retirement she worked for Holy Family Church. The priests sure did love her fried chicken and chocolate chip cookies. She leaves to cherish her memory five children, Wayne (Martha) Hawkins, George Robison, Kimberly (Ronald) Hesiben, Kenyon Hesiben and Deborah (Kevin) Hughes, all of South Bend. Mandy's pride and joy were her 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Mandy had 13 siblings, Hattie Hellams, James Hawkins, Jessie Hawkins, Elford Hawkins, Leadia Fikes, Ruby West, Russell Hawkins, Francis Frye, Ethel Hughes, Mamie Cooper, Charles Hawkins and Thomas Hawkins, who all preceded her in death. An infant son, Kevin Starr, and great-grandchildren, Angel McGhee, Christine Wilson and Areonna Hesiben, also preceded her in death. Mandy loved to cook, but she loved her family and friends even more. She was always there when you needed her. She will truly be missed. Services for Mr. Florence Wilson will be held on Saturday, March 13, in the Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home, 2702 Lincoln Way West, South Bend. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. The family wishes to thank Patty and Michael Henderson, Ike White, Joann Phillips, Spencer Aronson, Velma Wells, Emily John and Father Galic. The Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Published in South Bend Tribune on March 10, 2010