Essie Lee Hawkins, 96, of Seale, AL. and Columbus, Ga., passed away on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at Oaks at Maple Ridge. A celebration of life will be held at Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Columbus on Thursday, October 6, 2022 from 6-8 pm.

Essie Lee Hawkins was born on Nov. 25, 1925, in Coffee County, AL. The daughter of the late D. J. Morrow and Essie Taylor Morrow. She was preceded in death by her husband William C. Hawkins, Jr., her daughter, Carolyn Schnell, three sisters, Mildred Edwards, Martha Bryant, and Ann Williams, and one brother, John D. Morrow.

She was Mama Jr to most and loved to host many events for family and friends at her Farm. She will be remembered as the beloved matriarch of this family. Her tomato gravy and homemade biscuit recipe will forever be a treasured family heirloom.

Survivors include one daughter, Debra Ethridge (Bob), and four grandchildren, Hayley Dukes, Robin Grady (James), Kelly Hammock (Maurice), Jody McBride (Tina); great-grandchildren, Maxie Callaghan (Joe), Maren Dukes, Aidan Grady, Penelope Grady, Breanna Hammock, William Hammock (Helen Catherine), and Jodi McBride; great-great-grandchildren, Lyla Hammock and Miles Hammock.

She is also survived by one brother, Darrell Morrow, two sisters, June Chadwick and Frankie Pollock, and numerous nieces and nephews.