Bette Jo Hawkins

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Bette Jo Hawkins, 91, of Cardwell, Mo., died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014, at Benchmark Healthcare in Senath, Mo.

Born Sept. 26, 1922, in Malden, Mo., she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Mattie Brannum Howerton. She married Van Warren Hawkins on Aug. 3, 1941, and they owned and managed farming operations in the Cardwell area until his death in 1999.

She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Van and Ruth Hawkins of Jonesboro; one daughter and son-in- law, Jo Ann and Mark Steed of Jonesboro; and three grandsons, Ryan Steed of Memphis, Curt Hawkins of Jonesboro and Robert Steed of Jonesboro.

Along with her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Nola Howard; and one brother, Curt Howerton.

Mrs. Hawkins was a member of the Cardwell Baptist Church and was a Democratic committeewoman for many years. She also was a member of The Order of the Eastern Star, a longtime volunteer in the Southland School District and an active fund-raiser for community projects, including the Cardwell Cemetery Association.

Following a private graveside service, burial will be in the Cardwell Cemetery under the direction of Howard Funeral Service of Leachville. Memorials may be made to the Cardwell Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 488, Cardwell, MO 63829.