Jabari Akil Hawkins

Jabari Akil Hawkins was born on August 28, 1983 to Johnny and Shirley Hawkins in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jabari was the youngest of two children, and this handsome young man was the light of his family’s eyes. Jabari accepted Jesus Christ at an early age, and was baptized while a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Wayne Arnold. Later he and his family joined Calvary Southern Baptist Church. As a child, Jabari was active in church with the children’s choir, youth jubilation, and discipleship training. He grew in the Lord under the leadership of the late Pastor Jaffus Haley. Jabari attended elementary and middle school in Las Vegas Nevada, and completed his high school education at the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing, and Visual Arts. Additionally, Jabari received a Certificate of Achievement from the Culinary Training Academy in 2004. He worked for several years at the Venetian Hotel as a Convention Porter. When Jabari was 7 years old, we learned of his incredible gift of singing; he began growing and developing his voice under the leadership of Sister Marie Brindiar, the former Minister of Music at Calvary. The greatness of Jabari’s gift from God grew phenomenally and he began receiving invitations to sing at many events throughout the city. During his teen years, he was a member of the original NV Singing Group, and his family recalls Jabari participating in and winning various talent shows. His family loved to hear him sing, especially during birthdays and special occasions. Jabari was also gifted in many areas including designing and styling clothes. His designing, creative abilities, and his own unique personality were truly amazing. This was a blessed gift to his family. Everyone that crossed Jabari’s path recognized that he was unique and one of a kind. He would often share with his parents how he shared the Lord with so many people. He had many questions about the Bible. Jabari truly desired to learn and understand God’s word. He understood that life with God is eternal and that we are here for a season and a purpose. He would often say “I am not perfect, but I love the Lord and I know the Lord loves me.” Jabari was a friend to many, and he truly loved and supported his family. One of his favorite sayings was “Keep it real!” Many of his friends knew him as “JB”. Although his life was all too short, we will all hang on to the profound greatness that God allowed us to embrace, hold, and experience for 33 years. Jabari was preceded in death by his grandparents Julius and Ida Mae Matlock, grandfather Isaac Hawkins, Sr., and close cousin Jamil Hawkins. Jabari was a loving son, a wonderful brother, a loved grandson, a cherished nephew, a beloved cousin, and friend to many. He leaves to cherish his memories his parents Johnny & Shirley Hawkins, his sister Kanika Monroe (Steven), grandmother Gladys Hawkins, 3 aunts Debra Proctor, Sharon Matlock, and Mary Rooks (Ezzie), 5 uncles Terry Smith (Gia), Marvin Matlock (Kathy), Melvin Matlock (Julia), Isaac Hawkins, Jr. (Ruby), and Richard Hawkins (Yvonne), and a host of family and friends. We loved you more than life Jabari, but God loved you more. Jabari, welcome home God’s child!