Lena Mae Hawkins was born in Lindale, Texas on June 8, 1935 to A. W. Washington and Alfreda McKenzie
Washington.  She was an only child.  She attended Bragg Morris School, and Dixie Public School.  She also attended Prairie View A&M College where she was a member of the debate team.

On January 1, 1954, she married Thomas Lee Hawkins and to this union 9 children were born.  Two preceded her in death.

She gave her life to Christ at an early age at Galilee Baptist Church. Later she joined Liberty Baptist and was currently a member of Higher Heights Community Baptist Church.  She was a member of the Usher Board, sang in the choir, worked on the kitchen committee over the Hospitality Committee.  Lena's favorite scripture was the 23rd Psalms.

Mae Lena was a domestic worker, working for the Andrews family for many years.  Later she joined the medical Center team where she worked in food services as a cashier.  She loved her job and loved to talk.  She never met a stranger, and after you left her, you were no longer a stranger.  She worked for Medical Center for 25 years until she retired.  She loved ETMC and would not go to any other hospital. They often teased her at work about how she walked.  Because when she walked she glided across the room.

She was preceded in death by her parents, A.W. Washington and Alfreda Washington; son Earnest Ray Hawkins and daughter Judy Hawkins.  special aunt Naomi "E" Rainey and uncles, Oscar, Joe, Leslie and Archie McKenzie.

Those left to cherish her memories are children; Naomi Rider, Cheryl Davis, Thomas Hawkins (Carol), Joseph Hawkins, Rev. James E. Hawkins (Cynthia), Sharon Richard (Dan) and Alfonzo Hawkins.  Because she was an only child, she always wanted a large family to make sure she had someone to play with.  18 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren; many other loving relatives and lifelong friends.