Jessica Hawkins Rodriguez

She was born on May 1, 1985 to Jerry and Cindy Hawkins in San Antonio. Jessica spent her childhood years with her older sister Chelsea. Together they enjoyed swimming, dancing, riding bikes, playing the violin and piano, attending Coker United Methodist Church, and spending time with loved ones. Jessica graduated from Ronald Reagan High School in 2003. She was a proud member of the Diamond Dancers.

In 2007, Jessica graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and became a high school biology teacher in Fort Bend ISD. While working full time, Jessica earned a Master of Education Degree from Houston Baptist University to pursue a career as a school counselor in 2010.

Jessica later changed her career path earning a Master of Healthcare Administration/Master of Business Administration Degree from The University of Houston Clear Lake in 2015. She began working for the Memorial Hermann Hospital system finishing her career there as a director in the orthopedic service line. During her lifetime, she continued creating lasting friendships in her various life experiences.

In 2018, Jessica met Jose Rodriguez and they were engaged in 2020. Jessica and Jose were married in the summer of 2020 and enjoyed spending time together camping, visiting friends and family, traveling, attending concerts, and going to the Houston Rodeo. Jose brought out Jessica’s adventurous side and always went out of his way to make her feel special and loved. She gave birth to their adorable and happy son Josiah James in June of 2021.

Becoming a mother was Jessica’s greatest accomplishment and she had an incredible amount of love and dedication for Josiah. She was passionate about giving Josiah many life experiences while entertaining him to the fullest and meeting his every need. Jessica’s favorite moments of happiness were spending time as a family at the park, on walks, watching the sunset on the porch, swimming on the weekends, playing with their dog Trooper, and making Josiah smile.

Jessica will be remembered for the strong connections and memories she made with family and friends, her grace, loyalty, ambition, kind heart, and determined personality. She loved everyone dearly and will be missed by the lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Lonnie and Thelma Hawkins, and aunt Kathy Hawkins. She is survived by her husband Jose Rodriguez, son Josiah, grandparents Ed and Nelda Wells, parents Jerry and Cindy Hawkins, sister Chelsea Bussey (Zack), niece Kendall, aunt Linda Johnston, cousin Tiffany Wishert (Chad), second cousins Zaden and Maddox, uncle Dan Hawkins (Lisa), cousin Catherine/Kate Hawkins (Robert), in-laws Joe Rodriguez, Linda Contreras, and the extended Hawkins and Rodriguez families. Jessica and Juliet will be buried together.

Jessica’s family would like to thank the staff of Memorial Hermann Hospital for the care and compassion given during this difficult time. We will forever be grateful for the Texas Department of Public Safety for their continued support. The acts of heartfelt kindness by her Memorial Hermann family, friends, and neighbors are truly overwhelming.