Obituary of Gwendolyn Jean Hawkins

Gwendolyn Jean (Harris) Hawkins, age 59, (formerly of Newtonville, NJ) departed this life on October 7, 2014 at her home in Mount Laurel, NJ. She was born in Vineland, New Jersey on February 8, 1955 to the late Willie B. Harris and Willie Bell Harris. As a young woman, she headed to college in Boston to study aviation science. After her time in Boston, she returned to New Jersey where she married Rev. Charles Hawkins and made her home in Minotola, New Jersey; and was employed at Whitehall-Robbins Pharmaceuticals, and later at Title & Appraisal Review Services, LLC as a mortgage associate. She began her spiritual legacy as a member of the First Union Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, helped with church administration, and spent several years visiting hospitals to pray for the sick. As her walk of faith continued, she was the founding Co-Pastor of Voice of Deliverance New Covenant Church where she was “a spiritual force to be reckoned with” in leading the Praise and Worship team, Women’s Ministry, and overseeing the administration duties of the ministry. What many may not be aware of, is the hours she spent counseling women, youth, co-workers, and friends exemplifying what the “love of God” means in both word and deed. One of her great loves, was the power of music….whether listening to an eclectic array of music favorites such as gospel, praise, jazz, R&B and classical; or lifting her own voice to give praise to her Heavenly Father—music was a part of her core. Her passion and drive was found in meditating in the word of God and rising early in the morning hour praying for family, the body of Christ, and the community under the leading of the Holy Spirit. As a loving and devoted mother and aunt, she was always instilling the word of God to empower her daughter as well as her nieces/nephews on what they could do – often saying don’t just “talk about it, be about it.” She often shared, in all decisions of life, “if you can’t get a peace about it, don’t act – let the peace of God be your guide.” In her leisure, she spent time drawing, completing puzzles, sharing with friends, watching her comedy shows and “all things” HGTV. Her last days were spent in the loving arms of her daughter, Danyale and her sister Penny, who brought her much pleasure, love, and laughter. She leaves to mourn her memory but also celebrate her life, one daughter, Danyale Lanette Hawkins of Washington, D.C., her sister Penn Dora Harris of Newtonville, New Jersey; and a host of nieces, nephews, loving cousins, and cherished friends. Jean has a spiritual legacy that will never cease but will continue through her family. The journey began, and the journey continues…