Virginia Juanita Hawkins passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family January 12, 2020 at the age of 89. She was born to parents Fred and Oree (Herbert) Graves, May 6, 1930 in Demorest, Habersham, Georgia. Virginia's childhood consisted of living primarily in South Carolina. The Family left South Carolina when Virginia was six and they lived in Ashurst, Arizona for two years. Her father desired to return to South Carolina for work and they lived there until Virginia was 15. In 1945, the Graves family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. She graduated from West High School. Virginia met her future husband Grover James Hawkins on a blind date arranged by Grover's brother. They later were married in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Sainst on October 24, 1952. Grover and Virginia were blessed with three children: Linda, Carey and Gayle. Grover and Virginia made their home in the Boise Valley until 1986 when they moved to Parma, Idaho. When Grover passed away Virginia moved to Eagle, Idaho and eventually moved to Meridian, Idaho. Virginia developed a beautiful soprano voice in her youth as a result of voice lessons. She took voice lessons at the McCune School of Music in Salt Lake. She loved performing with the Cantador Chorus and was also a member of a trio group performing throughout the Salt Lake Valley. Performing in stake and ward plays were also very enjoyable to her. As a youth she also loved to go dancing. Painting beautiful paintings of nature also developed into an amazing talent. Family members were left with her many paintings to enjoy. Her many talents also included, decorating her home, sewing, fishing, food preservation, gardening, teaching church lessons, and she was an excellent cook which originated from her southern roots. She did love her southern foods! Gravy, biscuits, buttermilk, fried okra, salt pork, coconut cake, fried chicken, sweet potatoes, lemon fluff, collard greens, cornbread, grilled cheese toast, and macaroni & cheese were all staples in her diet her whole life. In her later years she became a voracious reader of gospel books and the scriptures. She thirsted for knowledge. She was well versed in gospel topics. Virginia was a woman of great faith and loved the Savior with all of her heart. Whenever there was someone to listen she would share anxiously the latest gospel insights that she learned with them. Sharing the gospel brought her tremendous happiness. She shared her latest gospel insights with her good friend just hours before she lost her speech and only hours before she passed. Willing to serve the Lord, she accepted many different church positions and served with exuberant dedication. Serving in the Boise Temple was a highlight of her life in later years and brought her peace and happiness. Virginia was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As Virginia's health declined over the years it did not affect her desire to live a long life. She found great joy in the smallest ways. Gazing at the moon and stars brought her abundant joy. Often she would call one of her children and ask them if they had seen the beautiful moon that night. Swinging on her porch and listening to the birds and the wind as it blew through the trees brought her joy. Her greatest joy though was her family. Whenever she was visited by a family member she experienced abundant joy. Her many friends were also sweet flowers to her. All relationships she cherished. She loved her family dearly and did not want to part from them. Her love to her family and friends will continue to always be felt and will live on. All those that knew her could see that she could light up any room with her infectious smile which would immediately warm anyone's heart along with her southern charm and grace. Many would also describe her as a real southern Belle. She also could be described as a living angel! Virginia will be missed immensely by all who knew and loved her. The family was greatly blessed that her life was extended which provided opportunities for her family to be able to serve her which resulted in precious moments filled with love. Virginia is survived by her three children: Linda Caufield, Carey (Sandy) Hawkins and Gayle (Marvin) Ward. She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren; brother Charles Graves; and sister-in-law Winona Graves. She was preceded in death by her husband Grover James Hawkins; son-in-law Robb Caufield; parents Fred and Oree Graves; brother Joseph Graves; sister Bernice Black and brother-in-law R. L. Black. A special thank you to All Care Hospice team who graciously attended to every need Virginia and the family had. A special thank you to her caregiver Suzie who lovingly provided care to Virginia. Virginia adored and loved Suzie very much. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 21, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 6575 S. Eagle Rd in Meridian, Idaho with a viewing, with the family, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM prior to the services. Interment will follow services at the Dry Creek Cemetery, 9600 Hill Rd. Boise, Idaho. Arrangements by Zeyer Funeral Chapel, Nampa. 208-467-7300.
Add comment