Lillian Al Louise Hawkins

Lillian Al Louise Hawkins went to rest in peace on April 2, 2025. She is survived by her daughter Janet Hawkins-McLoud and her husband, Peter; grandson, Eron Reynolds; granddaughters Christene Reynolds, Janelle Kinsey and husband Jamael, Emily Reynolds, and her great grandchildren, Hudson Edward, Teagan Edward, and Cyrus Kinsey. Al Louise was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Hawkins in 2016.

Al Louise was born in July 1939 at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital in Red Bluff to Harriet and William Dexter. Her sister, Victoreen, was born 2 1/2 years later. They grew up together during trying times. When World War II began their father was gone and their mother had to go to work outside of the home. At a young age, Al Louise and Vicky were responsible for bringing their wagon down to the corner store to buy a block of ice and pull it back home for the icebox.

When they were both in school, Al Louise always vehemently defended her little sister. In High school, Al Louise played the clarinet. At 20 years old she married William Preston Brooks. Two years later, they had a daughter. Janet.

Unfortunately, the marriage did not last. However, in 1965 Al Louise married Doug Hawkins, and that marriage remained for the rest of their lives.

Al Louise attended college after they moved to Kings Mountain in San Mateo County. She eventually obtained her bachelor’s degree and became a teacher. While teaching in Half Moon Bay, she established a TK1 (transition kindergarten first grade) program, one of the first in the state of California.

Al Louise moved on to work in El Granada then Montara at Fairlone View Elementary school. While there she taught parent-child communication classes and, with two other teachers, established a multi-aged family program. She also completed her master’s degree and became a reading specialist, as well.

Al Louise was loved by her students, their parents, and her coworkers. She enjoyed teaching for over 20 years. She even had parents who had been in her classroom bring their children back to her.

Al Louise retired in 2004. She and Doug moved up to Redding California to be close to aging parents, their daughter and her family. At that point, Al Louise’s grandchildren became the focus of her life. She picked up Janelle and Emily from school nearly every day, helped them with their homework and took them shopping! They developed a strong, loving connection.

Al Louise was diagnosed with early dementia in 2015. After Doug passed away in 2016

Al Louise was devastated. She found a new hobby in buying and collecting jewelry of all kinds. It became a passion for her. She knew every natural and man-made stone there was.

In 2018 Al Louise moved into a house across the street from her daughter. In 2021 she needed more care and moved into the Vista’s Memory Care unit. She eventually succumbed to advanced dementia and an infection. However, she was ready to leave the planet.

Her family is deeply grateful to have been blessed with such a loving and beautiful person to raise them and show them how to be kind. May God bless her as she rests in peace.