Donna Arlene Hawks

Donna Arlene Hawks, born November 30, 1946, in Goodland, Kansas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 23, 2025, in Menlo, Georgia. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a faithful servant of God whose life reflected humility, kindness, and unwavering love for both her family and the Lord.

 During her early years, Donna’s family moved between Kansas and Texas. She graduated from Kanorado High School in 1964, where she was active in many school activities. She was a cheerleader, a member of the National Thespian Society, and was well-loved by her classmates. Yet even then, her greatest passion was serving the Lord. While still in high school, she began playing piano for her church — a gift she would go on to share around the world.

 After high school, Donna moved to Portland, Oregon, where she attended Pacific Business College and worked as an IBM keypunch operator at the Multnomah County School District. It was also in Portland that she married the love of her life, Leo Dallas Hawks. Together they shared 58 years of marriage — a partnership built on faith, love, and devotion — and built a home and legacy that stretched across the world. 

Their journey took them from Portland to Zion, Illinois; Keflavik, Iceland (where their daughter was born); Pensacola, Florida (where their son was born); Adak, Alaska; San Vito dei Normanni, Italy; Plano, Texas; Yorkville, Georgia; and finally to Cartersville and Menlo, Georgia, where they made their lasting home.

 No matter where she lived, Donna’s faith was at the center of her life. In Portland, she was active in her church’s prison ministry, playing piano for services in a maximum-security prison. During her husband’s Navy service, she played piano for chapel services at bases around the world, blessing countless lives with her music. In Georgia, she continued serving faithfully through jail ministry in Cartersville and a local truck stop ministry, always sharing Christ’s love in both word and song.

 Donna was a true prayer warrior — steadfast, gentle, and Christlike in all she did. She was non-judgmental, loved everyone she met, and cherished every moment with her family. Family dinners were among her greatest joys, and her love for cooking, baking, and sharing food as an expression of love created memories that will be treasured for generations. She delighted in late-night baking and cooking sessions, teaching her children and grandchildren not only recipes but the joy of making food for others as an act of care and devotion.

 She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Leo Dallas Hawks; her children, Michelle Hawks and Brent (Pamela) Hawks; including her grandchildren, Johnathan (Jeremy) Lewis-Crane, Austin Williams (Sydney Woody-Williams), Andrew Hawks, and Lynzie Williams; as well as great-grandchildren, extended family, and many dear friends and those she loved as her own. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wesley Willis Thomas and Margaret Ruth Thompson; her siblings, Maxine Atkins, Jan (David) Deason, Rita (John) Fenton, Clyde Leon, and Joe Thomas; and her grandson, Brandon Lewis; along with many other loved ones who now welcome her into her heavenly home.

 Her life was a living testimony of love, humility, and faith. There will never be another like her.

 Rest in love, Donna — until we meet again.

Arrangements Family visitation will be held at Bethel Worship Center, 125 E Felton Rd, Cartersville, GA 30120, on Saturday, September 13, from 3:00–5:00 PM.A celebration of life service will be held at Christian Fellowship Church, 2197 US-411, Cartersville, GA 30121, on Sunday, September 14, at 3:00 PM, with family visitation from 2:00–3:00 PM prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to help with expenses may be made to Dallas Hawks via his link, or by check mailed to:11987 Hwy 48, Lot 27, Menlo, GA 30731.

Georgia Funeral Care 4671 S. Main Street Acworth, ga. is in charge of arrangements.