Mother Emma Jean Hawkins

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness …Her children arise up, and call her blessed. Proverbs 31:25-26, 28 (KJV) Emma Jean Hawkins was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, July 11, 2025 at the blessed age of 91 years. She transitioned peacefully surrounded by her family. Her journey began on June 27, 1934 in Rosedale, Mississippi where she was born to Artisher Smith and Albert King. Her loving step-father Red Smith, raised her. She moved to Saginaw, Michigan and later settled in Staten Island, New York where she lived for over 50 years and was a member of St. Philips Baptist church before relocating back to Saginaw in 2019. She joined Bethel A.M.E. church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Dennis Laffoon and was a current member of Tabernacle of David in Lansing, MI under the leadership of Pastor Larry Trice, Jr. and served on the Mother Board until her health failed. A woman of grace and strength, Emma Jean was known for her sharp wit, wisdom and unwavering devotion to her family. She had a great sense of humor, a radiant sense of style, and heart big enough to hold everyone she loved. She was a faithful servant in the healthcare field, where she was hardworking and dedicated. More importantly, she was a steadfast woman of God, dedicated member of her church, where she served joyfully and worshiped faithfully. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in those who remain. She leaves behind a legacy to celebrate her life: her son, James Johnson and daughter-in-law, Valerie Johnson; her grandchildren, Cedrick (Annse) Burton, Timothy Hart, Brian Johnson, Jamesha Johnson and Emma Johnson; and a host of great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her devoted siblings, Janie (Greg) DeMyers and Isaiah (Ella) Smith, along with special nieces and nephews, Lestina Fisher, Pamela Davis, Terry Blakes, Robert Blakes; and Lucretia Blake, MyKing Smith, Sr. as well as a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends, Lillian Revels of New York and Mattielee Morre of Saginaw. She was preceded in death by her parents, Artisher and Red Smith and Albert King; her loving husband, Daniel Hawkins; son, Leroy Johnson; her brothers, Walter Brown and Tard Smith; her sisters, Artisher Smith, Mildred Smith and Margaret Blakes; her nephews, Wilbert Polk, Adrain Smith and Kentay Smith; aunt, Cornelis Maxwell; uncles, Howard Walker and Todd Walker and a dear friend, Annie Mae Davis. Emma’s life was a testament to survival, dedication, and God’s grace and favor. She walked with dignity, gave generously, and loved without limits. Her prayers covered her family, her wisdom shaped generations, and her faith carried her through every season. Though we mourn her earthly absence, we rejoice in knowing she is now resting in the arms of the Savior, where there is no more pain, only peace. Well done, good and faithful servant. Family Hour will take place at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 21, 2025 at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607 with the funeral service commencing at 12:00 p.m. Senior Pastor Larry Trice, Jr. will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Mother Emma Jean Hawkins

June 27, 1934 - July 11, 2025