Barbara Jean Winding Hawkins

Barbara Jean Winding Hawkins, affectionately known as “Bobbie,” entered peacefully into eternal rest on March 7, 2017 at her home in New Orleans, Louisiana. Barbara was born August 29, 1954 in Natchez, Mississippi to the late Annie Mae Bassett-Winding and Frank Winding, Sr.

Barbara Jean gave her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Philemon Missionary Baptist Church. Quite the devout Christian, as an adult, she continued serving the Lord under the guidance of Revered Dr. Calvin Woods, Jr. at Greater Liberty Baptist Church. While at Greater Liberty Barbara was a member of the church’s trustee board, where she served as Financial Trustee, the Vice-President of the adult Usher Board, as well as counselor and trainer for the Youth Ministry. Additionally, Barbara was a member of the First District Missionary Baptist Association’s Usher Ministry as well as the Women’s Auxiliary. Bobbie’s love for the Lord and first-hand knowledge of His grace and mercy overflowed into her family, whom she loved dearly. She spent a lot of time celebrating the wonders of Christ with her beloved granddaughters, Asia and Dior. Mrs. B or Auntie as she was sometimes called, also helped raise many of her nieces, nephews, cousins, her friends’ kids and occasionally her kid’s friends. Barbara’s special gift to the church came through her divine gift of cooking. She served as Greater Liberty’s Concession Coordinator for over 10 years.

A 1972 graduate of Francis T. Nicholls High School in New Orleans, Barbara believed in the value of solid education and a strong worth ethic. As such, Barbara worked tirelessly her entire life, among her places of employment include McCury’s, Canal Villere, Happy Kids, and Martin Wine Cellar. Bobbie also worked in management positions at both The Royal Sonesta Hotel and Whole Foods Market. Though she worked hard, Bobbie also played hard. She absolutely loved traveling the country to see her beloved New Orleans Saints take on different teams.

In 1999, Barbara married her soulmate, Micheal Hawkins, Sr. As she takes her rightful place in Heaven, she leaves him here on Earth to cherish the memories that their 17 years of marriage has allowed.

She is preceded in death by her parents Annie Mae Bassett and Frank Windings, Sr.; her grandparents, Virginia and Eli Bassett; her father-in-law, Lee Joseph Hawkins and two brothers-in-law; Larry and Harold Hawkins.

In addition to her husband, Micheal Hawkins, Sr., Barbara is survived by her children, Reginald Jerome Winding, Torrey Winding and Tiara Enise Winding; her two grandchildren; Asia Alea Dean and Dior Janey Walker; her siblings Frank Winding, Sr., Cynthia Winding, Melinda Winding, Lorita (Darrell) Rockett and Terry (Leona) Winding; and step-children, Nilofur, Tatiana, Micheal Jr., Mecheal, Candice and Christopher Hawkins; her mother-in-law; Mabel Hawkins, four sisters –in-law and three brothers-in-law. She is also survived by close friends Gwendolyn Lyons, Mary Riddle and host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at Greater Liberty Baptist Church, 1230 Desire St. New Orleans, LA 70117 on Friday, March 17, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM