Patricia Hawkins

Harriett Patricia Hawkins, “Pat,” “GG Pat,” died October 25, 2022, in Fort Smith of lung cancer at the age of 85. Born September 10, 1937, in Atlanta, Georgia, Pat was a lover of life, family, and friends. She loved inviting people to celebrate—holidays, sporting events from the Hogs to the Derby, or just a fine Saturday evening in the spring. She was married for 27 years to Franklin Hawkins and embraced his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as her own family.

Pat is survived by her stepson John Hawkins, his wife, Nancy, and their children Scott Hawkins (Nicole), Chris Hawkins (Maria), and Laura Johnson (Mike); her stepson Jim Hawkins, his wife, Robin, and their children Nan Winton (Richard), Lindsey Bristow (Matt), and Hunt Hawkins; her step-daughter Lucia Laughlin, her husband, Brent, and their children Shepherd Laughlin, Lucia Leigh Laughlin, and Lana Richardson (Adam). She treasured her namesake great-niece Patricia Neylon, her husband Sean Neylon, and their daughter Emma; and her niece Kathy Toledo (William III) and great-nephew William Toledo IV.

Pat was a true entrepreneur, starting The Potted Plant, a floral business, and Travel Services, a travel agency. She served on numerous boards and organized many community service projects. She was on the board of the University of Arkansas Botanic Gardens in Hot Springs and was the first Director of Volunteer Services at Sparks Hospital, now Baptist Hospital. Her extended annual vacations to Maine, Colorado, and her native Florida were legendary for their variety of guests, activities, and cuisine.

Pat’s first husband, Bob Boyd, was a direct descendant of Fort Smith’s founder, John Rogers. After Bob’s death, Pat contributed artifacts and other gifts to the Fort Smith Museum of History. She was president of the Stonebridge Common Association until her death, and was always available to give counsel, comfort, and support to those in need.

The family is grateful to all those who have helped Pat in making her later years some of her best. Those include Kathy Luper, Jimmy Turner, Hank Autrey, Bruce Goodman, Jr., Netta Alston, Tessi Medlock, Terry Harris, Blanca Cunningham, and Don Smith.

Gifts in Pat’s honor may be made to Good Samaritan Clinic, First Presbyterian Church, Fort Smith Museum of History, US Marshals Museum, Bonneville House, or Fort Smith Symphony.

Public viewing will be Thursday and Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM at Edwards Funeral Home, Fort Smith, Arkansas. The family will receive guests following a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church, Fort Smith, Arkansas, Saturday, October 29, at 11:00 a.m. Private family burial will be at Oak Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com