Kay Hawkins

Marsha Kay Koos Hawkins, 72, passed to the life triumphant, October 9, 2023, surrounded by her family at home.

A celebration of Kay's life will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, October 13, at Cogdell Memorial United Methodist Church, with graveside service to follow at Oakwood Cemetery. A visitation will be held at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, October 12, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home in Waco.

Kay was born to Anne and Neil Koos in Waco, Texas, November 5, 1950. She grew up in Waco, alongside her beloved sister Kitty Koos Kenyon, she graduated from Richfield High School, before moving on to attend Baylor University and Baylor Law School. After receiving a call to ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church later in life, Kay graduated from Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth.

In July of 1980, she married the love of her life, John Hawkins, and for the next forty-three years they created a beautiful life together, raising their two sons, Ben, and Daniel in Waco. After living in a world filled with boys, Kay welcomed the daughter she never had, but always wanted, when April married Daniel in 2005. She was ecstatic when the trend continued, and she soon welcomed her three cherished granddaughters, Abby, Chloe, and Harper. She delighted in her family, and they delighted in her.

Kay wore many hats in her lifetime. In addition to her time spent with her family, she was honored to serve God, and God’s people during her 17 years of pastoral ministry at Speegleville UMC, Valley Mills and Cayote UMC’s, Cogdell Memorial UMC, Glen Lake Camp, and FUMC Burleson.

Whether you knew her as a cherished spouse to John, a loving mom to her boys, a joy-filled grandma to her girls, a beloved sister to Kitty, a spirited pastor to communities across central Texas, or a cherished friend to many, you couldn't help but be drawn to her radiant personality, quick wit, persistent love, and feistiness. Kay's personality was big, and so was her heart. Her presence could fill a room, and her heart could fill your life. Her humor was infectious, and her care was real. Whether she was meeting you in a moment of celebration or sorrow, she could be present with you, invite you to see the divine in the midst of the ordinary, and leave you with a laugh for two to lift your spirit.

As we grieve her passing, let's also celebrate the incredible life she lived, and strive to keep her spirit alive by finding humor in the everyday, spreading love to all we meet, and seeing God in the small details of life.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Neil and Anne Koos of Waco.

She is survived by her husband, John Hawkins; her son, Ben Hawkins; her son, Daniel Hawkins, and his wife, April; her grandchildren, Abby, Chloe, and Harper Hawkins; her sister, Kitty Kenyon, and her husband, Terry; and many beloved extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Glen Lake Camp in her memory.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.