Mrs. Ollie Mae Dawkins

Mrs. Ollie Mae Dawkins was born on May 13, 1928 in Louisville, Mississippi, the daughter of Jimmie Lee Fulwiley and Sadie Fulwiley. Ollie married Willie Dawkins in Louisville on September 11, 1954 and moved to Saginaw, Michigan. She remained a resident of Saginaw, Michigan until her homecoming on May 11, 2024 at the age of 95 years. She graduated from Winston County Training School in Mississippi. During her life in Saginaw, Ollie was a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and later, Galilee Baptist Church. Ollie worked various jobs, but her most rewarding work was during her time as a cook at Roy’s Steakhouse. Her hobbies included gardening, watching basketball and playing cards, but entertaining and cooking for her family and friends was her passion. Her cakes and sweet potato pies were coveted by family, friends and neighbors for decades. Her delicious soul food dishes were unique and will be missed. Affectionately known as Newt, Nanny, Ollie Newt, Aunt Ollie, and Momma, her big smile and warm demeanor was infectious. She had a big heart, and lavished unconditional love and support upon her children and grandchildren. Having lost her mother at a young age, as the oldest child at sixteen years old, she assumed the responsibility of providing motherly love and support to her younger siblings. As Aunt Ollie, she cultivated close, unique relationships with various nieces and nephews. She was also known for repeatedly providing room, board and sustenance to out-of-town relatives looking for a new start in Saginaw. In her latter years, she lamented not having provided support to others who may have been in need. Her caring spirit and kindness truly made the world a better place for those who knew her best. Her spirit is now free. Fly Ollie, fly. We will love you forever. She leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters and two sons, Willie Dawkins, Columbus, TN, Patricia Dawkins, Bay City, MI, Robert Dawkins (Joyce), Duluth, GA and Donna Dawkins, Saginaw; 11 grandchildren, Akil Dawkins (Adonica) Canton, MI, James Peoples and Alexis Alan (Morvarid) both of Canton, MI, Tiffany Barnett (Andrew) and Kamillah Johnson (Luke) both of Saginaw, Jessica Avila (Matthew), Perris, CA, Adrian Dawkins (Whitney) Columbia TN, Melody Buyukozer Dawkins (Cris), Chicago, IL, Tierra Taylor, Columbia, TN, Paulyae Dawkins, Grand Prairie, TX and Cameron Dawkins, Duluth, GA; 14 great-grandchildren, Nadiya, Zayah, Aria, Xavier, IIyan, Dominic, Niya, Mia, Don, Paris, Kingston, Morgan, Makenzie and Madison; sisters, Lula Pearl Worthy, Milwaukee, WI, Sarah Green (Frank) Saginaw, Lois Ball (Rev. John) and Clara Davis; brothers, DeVon and Vernon Fulwiley; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; other relatives and friends including special relatives and friends, Charles Goss, Tammy Haynes, Allen Worthy, Sade Morgan, Calvin Worthy, Jane Gagnon, Kimberly Burton, Henry Lee Fulwiley, Corliss Webb Dawkins, Sandra, Tim, Lou and Vincent Dawkins, Michael Davenport and Eva Bell. Mrs. Ollie Mae Dawkins was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Dawkins; son, Paul Dawkins; grandson, Mehmet Dawkins; parents, Jimmie Lee and Sadie Fulwiley; one sister, Edna Jane Collier; four brothers, Billy, Big Dock, Little Dock and Jimmy Lee Fulwiley and daughter-in-law, Robin Dawkins. Family hour will take place at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607 with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM. Dr. Willie F. Casey will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington Ave., Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Mrs. Ollie Mae Dawkins

May 13, 1928 - May 11, 2024