Barbara Elaine Bryant Hawk

Barbara Elaine Bryant Hawk, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home in Montgomery, Alabama on Friday, July 19, 2024, at the age of 93. Born to Morton and Jeanette Bryant in Empire, Alabama, she was one of seven children. The family relocated to Foley, Alabama when Barbara was 14.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents (Morton and Jeanette Bryant); her stepmother (Eula Mae Cope Bryant); husband (Daniel Ray Hawk, Sr.); son (Richard Alan Hawk); and siblings Morton “Sonny” Bryant, Charles Bryant, Mary Bryant Teate, John Bryant, and Donald Bryant.

She is survived by her sister, Jane Childress (Bruce); and sister-in-law, Donna Lapp Bryant; her children Dan Hawk Jr. (Nancy); Debra Hawk Henning (Terry); and daughter-in-law Debra Anne Hawk. She also leaves behind six grandchildren: Jason Hawk (Kerry); Jeremy Hawk (Yuan); Amy Bridges (Brian); Tina Conner (David); Lee Slaughter (Amanda); Sarah Kichler (Corey), 3 bonus grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

Barbara graduated from Foley High School, where she was was recognized as the “Biggest Flirt”, much to the amusement of her great grandchildren as they read her senior yearbook. Barbara went on to pursue her passion for helping others by attending St. Margaret’s Nursing School in Montgomery. It was in Montgomery that she met the love of her life, Daniel Ray Hawk, Sr. They were married for 54 years, and had three children, creating a stable and loving home. Barbara worked alongside her husband at Hawk Brokerage Company until she said she “fired” herself, and later went to work as an Administrative Assistant for 16 years at Montgomery’s Children’s Center.

Barbara was a devoted member of Cloverdale Baptist Church. It was in this church that she and her husband raised their three children, all whom were baptized there, and two had weddings there. Barbara continued to be active in her church throughout her life, and became a valuable member of the church’s foundation.

Barbara had a zest for life and adventure, often traveling across the country in their motor homes with family and friends. She cherished beach trips with her sisters and girlfriends, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Known for her culinary and entertaining skills, Barbara enjoyed cooking and hosting gatherings, making everyone feel welcome in her home. She was a family matriarch, always the hub of activities, and said to be the “glue” that held the family together. Barbara enjoyed spending time at Lake Martin and created multitudes of memories there with her family and friends.

A true fan of “Wheel of Fortune”, Barbara loved watching and guessing the phrases, adding joy to her evenings. Her children and grandchildren, even great grandchildren, enjoyed the 6:30 Wheel of Fortune time with her. Barbara also enjoyed puzzles, crosswords, word searches, and Scrabble, a testament to her sharp mind and competitive spirit at age 93.

Barbara’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and cherished memories. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, her church community, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Funeral services will be held at Alabama Heritage in Montgomery, Alabama on Saturday, July 27. Visitation will be at 1:00 pm., funeral service at 2:00 pm., with a graveside service afterward. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to Cloverdale Baptist Church, 608 East Fairview Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama 36016 or to a favorite charity.