Johnson Hawkins

Johnson Hawkins, known by all as "The Golden Hawk," entered this life on April 11, 1933.  He was born in Demopolis, Alabama, the beloved son of Sam and Carrie Hawkins.  To this union were also burn, Ann Sanders, Maria Jennings and Sam Hawkins.

Johnson grew up a handsome young man who loved his siblings more than anything. They were very close and enjoyed fishing and dancing.  He was hard working and decided early on that earning a living was the biggest priority in his life.  He only finished ninth grade before he stated working odd jobs to help out the family.

His work took him to Birmingham, Alabama for a brief time before joining his sister in Akron, Ohio were his free spirit and charming personality continued to shine.  Johnson stayed very busy, working and hanging out with his family and friends.

In 1952, Johnson moved to Chicago, Illinois.  He had a plethora of jobs.  He worked at a soap factory, a mechanic shop and Fireright Heating and Plumbing.  He also spent many years working as a Bartender and DJ.

He met Dorothy Jackson on the west side and they fell in love.  They wed on December 21, 1957.  They were blessed with two children; a daughter, Deborah and son, Darrell "Hawk."

After over nine years of marriage, the union was dissolved and Johnson moved to Maywood, Illinois where he lived for many years.  He later met Ruthie Turnage, together they had a son, Xavier "Petey."

Johnson spent the majority of his adult life at Laidlaw Transportation as a Bus Driver, where he worked for over 20 years.  He retired in 2003.

Johnson had a love of music and food.  He frequently hosted parties and cookouts in his backyard at his Maywood home; including his annual birthday bash barbecue.  These events were known for serving up all kinds of meat, including wild game and fish that he caught while fishing on his boat, for roaring oldies blasting from the speakers, for serious card games and his later years, and for grandkids running around.  As a grandfather, Johnson enjoyed cooking Sunday dinners for his granddchildren and watching them devour it all.

After suffering a stroke in 2008, he decided to move to Calumet Park, Illinois to be closer to his children, where he spent his last years in his easy chair, watching football and cooking shows.

Johnson was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Carrie; his two sisters, Ann and Maria; his brother, Sam; his son, Xavier" Petey,"" and his niece, Missy.

Johnson is survived by his children; Deborah Hawkins and Darrell (Lisa) Hawkins; his grandchildren, Shontea, Darrell Jr. "Hawkster", Donovan, Delisa, Dante, Domonique, Dymon, Jordan and Jillian (Linear); and his great grandchildren, Anthony, Alex, and Kiara; nieces and nephews; Carrie, Sam and Joyce; great nieces and nephews; his best friends, Mr. Baker and Church; and a host of family and friends.

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