Bertha Mae Hawkins, daughter of the late Ernest and Ada Richardson was born October 13, 1926 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Our beautiful, loving matriarch departed this life on November 1, 2021, after a lengthy illness. Bertha was the oldest of five children, her siblings, James Ernest, Rosalie and Ben Howard preceded her in death.



Bertha was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. She was employed at the Social Security Administration, but she stopped working there to start a family. It was then, that Bertha met and married the love of her life, Lawrence Jerome Hawkins.



While she was able, Bertha was very active in her church. She served on the parish council and was active in the St. Ambrose Housing Center. She attended church faithfully each Sunday with daughters, Vera, Bunny and her friend Janet. Bertha loved the Lord, and it was obvious to everyone who met her. Bertha was blessed with longevity of life and lived by the saying, "Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away".



Bertha touched the lives of all who knew her, and she will be dearly missed. Her concept of family extended beyond the boundaries of her home. She embraced family and friends with a cheerful disposition, generous spirit, and tender heart. Bertha was loving, kind, full of life, helpful and caring. Each chapter of her life's book was rich in love, goodness and mercy. Her time with us wrote rich memories and painted beautiful pictures that death could never erase.



Bertha was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Lawrence; her children, Lawrence, Jr., Shelley Adrienne and one grandson, Taji.



She leaves to rejoice and cherish her memory, a devoted sister, Fredonia Gainer, one sister-in-law,

Ruth Richardson, eight children, Joseph (Audrey), Vera (Henry), Diane, Donna, Bertha "Bunny" (Hildred), William (Karen), Frances (Stan), and Gregory; twenty grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; four very special nieces, Marvais, Doralynn, Dorothy and Andrea; and two very special friends, Angela and Janet. Bertha also leaves a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.



Professional Services entrusted to the Joseph Brown Funeral Home

2140 N Fulton Ave

Baltimore, MD 21207

(410) 383-2700



Arrangements for Bertha Hawkins



Viewing: Thursday, November, 11 3:00-5:00 pm @ Joseph Brown Funeral Home

2140 North Fulton Avenue

Baltimore 21217

Funeral Service: Friday: November, 12 @ Saint Ambrose Catholic Church

4502 Park Heights Avenue

Baltimore 21215

Family Hour: 10:30-11:00 am

Homegoing Service: 11:00 am