Starr Delene Hawkins, aged 67, passed away on January 18, 2024 in Muldrow, Oklahoma in the presence of family. Starr was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in 2014, and experienced a slow decline over 9 years. She was cared for by her family until she breathed her last breath. In the final three years of her life, her husband Buddy Hawkins and his sister, Becky Pittman, cared for her with great love and devotion, for which Starr’s children and loved ones are infinitely grateful.
Starr was born May 10, 1956 in Houston, Texas to Paula and Otis Goodwin. As a young child, she was adopted by her grandmother and grandfather, Essie and William H. (Bob) Goss, who raised Starr along with her sisters, Jo and Priscilla.
She graduated from MacArthur High School (Aldine ISD) in 1974 and attended two years of college at Houston Baptist University, where she planned to attend nursing school, before marrying Buddy Hawkins on September 25, 1976. They were married for over 47 years.
After having her four children, Starr enrolled at Texas State University with aspirations to complete her bachelor’s degree and pursue a master’s degree in social work. This aspiration was a reflection of her desire to help others. Even though her health challenges prevented her from achieving these goals, she always found ways to minister to people in need, including volunteering with Hospice Austin and serving as an ombudsman for nursing home residents.
Starr had a profound influence on many with her kindness and gentleness–especially her sister, Jo. Starr was incredibly generous with her love and didn’t let unfamiliarity be a barrier: she routinely held strangers in her arms when she could see that they were in physical or emotional pain. She was a powerful prayer warrior, who readily offered this gift to anyone who was in need. Though she didn’t always have much in terms of financial resources, she was generous with what she had because she had faith that God would always provide.
Starr was artistic and had a delightful silly streak. She found ways to make those around her laugh, even when she could no longer communicate using words. Some of the last words she was able to articulate were, “I love you,” which reveals so much about her true essence. She emulated Jesus to the very end.
Starr was a connoisseur of dark chocolate and ice cream. She loved rose gardening, wildflowers, ALL flowers. She was happiest when she was singing praise music and playing her guitar. Much of her time was spent in prayer and worship. She especially relished time with her children and grandchildren, and cherished her friendships.
Starr is survived by her devoted husband, Buddy Hawkins; her son, Aaron Hawkins, daughter-in-law Robin Hawkins, and granddaughters, Naiobi and Jaya Hawkins; her son Justin Hawkins, his fiancée Larissa Rogers, and grandsons, Jacob and Jared Hawkins; her daughter, Bethany Stevens, and grandson Peter Ambrose Stevens; and her daughter, Joanna Hawkins, fiancé Callison Alcott, and granddaughter Cedar Alcott. Starr is also survived by her sisters, Priscilla Hawks (Michael Hawks), Maudella Goodwin, Anita Ursua, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by parents Paula and Otis Goodwin, grandparents Essie Goss and William H. (Bob) Goss, her sisters Jo Brandon and Bobby Jean Pishkar, and brother-in-law Anthony Blevins.
Please join us on Saturday, March 16th, 2024 at 4:00 pm in Austin, Texas to honor the life and legacy of Starr Hawkins. Services will be held at Hope Chapel, located at 6701 Arroyo Seco, Austin, TX 78757, with a reception to follow. Starr’s earthly body has been cremated. Some of her ashes will be buried in the Hawkins family memorial garden in Muldrow, Oklahoma at a later date; some of her ashes will be scattered in a field of Texas wildflowers, so she can rest among the flowers.
