Min. Samuel D Hawkins

Minister Samuel D. Hawkins age 65 of Balch Springs, Texas passed away May 8, 2011. Born to Alester and Thelma Hawkins on March 9, 2011 in Jefferson, Texas. He was the fourth of five children born to this union. Minister Hawkins was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother and one child.

Minister Hawkins and his family relocated to Dallas, Texas, where he graduated from Madison High School. In 1969 he enlisted in the Army and served his country for three years, receiving numerous awards and an honorable discharge in 1972. He returned to Dallas and resumed his studies for two more years at Draughon's Business School. He later met and married Phyllis DeShazer and they raised five children.

He accepted the Lord as his personal Savior and Lord of his life at an early age. He united and served in the Church of God in Christ in Jefferson, Texas. He united and served at the Greater Emanuel Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas under the pastoralship of Pastor Burley Hudson. He later united with Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoralship of Pastor Norris Hamilton.
It was at Fellowship that Minister Hawkins accepted the call by God into the ministry. Minister Hawkins preached his first sermon, April 30, 2000 and his last sermon April 3, 2011 from the theme: “Look, days are coming! Don’t get caught unprepared – Amos 8:11.

Under the pastoralship of Pastor Eddie R. Island, Sr., Minister Hawkins was installed and served as Spiritual Advisor for the Sunday School and assisted in many other capacities in leadership of the Church in adding to soul winning; including 1st Saturday monthly prayer meeting, visiting sick and administering the Lord’s Supper to homebound members.

Minister Hawkins was very concerned about the spiritual welfare, the souls, of the body of Christ; especially the Fellowship Church family and his biological family but his concern did not stop with his local Church and biological family. Minister Hawkins’ concern was for the entire Body of Christ. He started a ministry called a family praying and staying together, where family would come together study God’s word and pray. A great number of his family members came to Christ through this ministry, united with the Church and are now diligent workers in the local Church. Minister Hawkins was always ready and willing to share the Gospel message and help anyone that needed encouraging in the Faith.

Minister Hawkins leaves to cherish memories and emulate his life: A loving wife, Phyllis Hawkins; children, Angela (Gerald), J.D. (Karen), Emetra, Norris, and Deon (Wanda); nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.