Florence Perritt Hawkins

Florence Perritt Hawkins (Mrs. Dudley William Lloyd Hawkins, Sr.)

SHREVEPORT, LA- A private interment will be held in the Hawkins' family mausoleum at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Tarrytown, New York.

Mrs. Hawkins was born July 20, 1916 in New York City, NY, to Mr. and Mrs. William Dayton Perritt. She passed away on August 20, 2008.

Mrs. Hawkins graduated from St. Vincent's Convent in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1934 and attended business school in New York City. From there she went to work for Continental Can Company.

Mrs. Hawkins lived in Hamilton, Massachusetts for most of her life and it was there that she and her husband reared their three sons. Later in life she wintered in Naples, Florida before returning to Shreveport in 2000.

In New England, she kept company with a wonderful group of artistic and intellectual friends with whom she enjoyed many years.

It was because of these friends that her sons gained such a marvelous cultural foundation.

In her own right, she was an accomplished artist, excellent marksman and a formidable athlete. Mrs. Hawkins was a seriously competitive tennis player, who won many tournaments on an amateur level, beginning in Shreveport at St. Vincent Convent, and continuing well into her later years.

Florence had a joie de vivre that was palatable! Her unique sense of style, and flare for color, was the cornerstone by which she lived her life. Florence was a bohemian at heart!

She had a wicked, though delightful, sense of humor and a marvelous ability to make those around her laugh.

A bibliophile from childhood, she was never without something to read.

Mrs. Hawkins was a member of The Wenham Exchange and The League of Women Voters.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dudley William Lloyd Hawkins, Sr., her son Richard Martin Blake Hawkins and her parents.

Survivors include her sons Dudley William Lloyd Hawkins, Jr. and wife Margaret, her children Daniel and Jennie and Robert Perritt Dudley Hawkins. Grandchildren, Dudley William Lloyd Hawkins, III, Ashley Florence Hawkins, Brooke Hawkins Swayze and husband Louie, Cole Luke Hawkins, Giulietta Beltrame-Hawkins, Daniel Starr, and wife Annie, great grandchildren, Blake, Jack and Ben Starr, as well as her cousin Amanda Perritt Clingan and her husband Gordon.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Craig Miller for his care and compassion. Also, Helen Kellum and Lucille Milton for their years of loving care and devotion to Mrs. Hawkins. Our appreciation also to Deborah Sutton and Care Tenders for the professionalism that she and her staff provided.

The family suggests memorials may be made to Nena Plant Wideman Piano Competition in care of The Shreveport Symphony Guild, 576 Oneonta, Shreveport, LA, 71106 or to charity of the donor's choice.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home Marshall St. Chapel 222-0348