Clarence Andrew Hawkins

Clarence Andrew Hawkins Sr. was born to the late Vanderbilt and Carrie Hawkins on April 25, 1941, in Bowie, MD. Clarence, affectionately known as Boobie, was the youngest of 6 children. He was called home to rest on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

Clarence was a long-active member of Bowie United Methodist Church in Bowie, MD. He attended Fairmont Heights High School in Prince Georges County, MD. At the young age of 9, Boobie was motivated to enter the workforce, so he taught himself how to drive. He got his first job driving the feed truck at the Bowie Racetrack. Throughout his life, he worked various jobs until obtaining his Commercial Driver's License, working with Allied Systems Trucking until his retirement.

Clarence lived his entire life in Bowie, MD, where he developed a reputation for being a man of honor. During his lifetime, you could always catch him either at home or by calling his number, which has been the same since 1970. Boobie was the neighborhood mentor and father to the fatherless. His home on Chestnut Ave. was a staple in the community, whether giving out neighborhood haircuts or allowing a local band to practice in the garage, Clarence made sure all who entered his home felt love. Unless he was playing Bid Whist, then all bets would be off.

It was during his childhood when he first met the love of his life Helen. They were married on June 29, 1963, in Bowie, Md. From their union, they had 7 children. Throughout their 61 years of marriage, Boobie and his Susie Q enjoyed and endured all of life's ups and downs, from playing in the local bowling league, where they shared countless fun-filled nights of strikes, spares, and friendly competition, to traveling the world together, experiencing different cultures and creating cherished memories along the way. Their love was a steady anchor, grounding them through all the challenges life threw their way—losses, victories, and everything in between. Whether navigating the everyday rhythms of family life or embarking on spontaneous adventures, they remained each other's greatest support, best friend, and constant source of joy. Their bond was a beautiful testament to the power of love, partnership, and the shared journey of life.

As a father, he had his children do carpentry from a young age – constantly remodeling his home to accommodate his growing family. Clarence's door was always open to anyone in need, taking in extended family and friends. Throughout Bowie, he was given the nickname "Big Hand Man" by the many young men he mentored from the 1960s until his death. Boobie was known as a great man whose home was a great space for all. He always had a listening ear and gave stern advice that would often get you on the right track. Of course, he was never wrong!

He was the glue that held his family together; he taught his sons how to be a present father and his daughters what a loving husband looks like. This legacy created a ripple effect for the grandchildren, which will undoubtedly be the path laid out for his great-grandchildren. A great man and pillar of the community, he will certainly be missed, but he lived a full life that positively impacted all those who loved him.

Clarence was preceded in death by his late mother, Carrie Hawkins, sons Clarence Jr. and Curtis, grandson Jerry, and great-granddaughter, India. To cherish his memory and legacy, he leaves his wife Helen, 5 children (Benjamin, Vanel (Laverne), Morris (Deborah), Cynthia, Priscilla (Charles), Vanessa (widow of Clarence Jr.), and Lillian (widow of Curtis), 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, his siblings Mary Tanner and Frank Hawkins, a host of relatives and friends, and an entire Old Bowie community.