Helen Ruth Hawkins

Helen Ruth Hawkins, age 84, of Mountain City passed away Sunday, January 22, 2012 at her home with her family by her side. She was the daughter of the late Grady and Pauline Eisenhower. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Ralph Brooks, and her brother George Eisenhower. Survivors include her husband, Joseph W. Hawkins; children: Jeannie Brooks Countiss, Mountain City, TN; Joy Brooks Crane and husband Steve, Blountville, TN; Jeffrey Brad Tester, Knoxville; step son: Jody Hawkins and wife Diane; four sisters: Mary, Betty, Sue and Becki; one brother: John; six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Ruth was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Mountain City and also attended Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with her husband Joe. She was a gifted artist, decorator, seamstress and gardener. She commented she often talked with God among her beautiful flower gardens. She was a member of numerous community organizations which included United Methodist Women, Positive Thinkers, Johnson County Jaycettes, Beta Theta, Farm Bureau Women and was a Brownie Scout leader. As a member of the Farm Bureau Women she implemented the idea of a County Bird - Gold Finch; County Crop - corn; County Tree - Maple; and the County Flower - Day Lily. Ruth designed and made a quilt depicting each of these items which is displayed in the Johnson County Courthouse. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was beloved by her family and relatives as well as a multitude of devoted friends. The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 25, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. with the funeral service to follow from the First United Methodist Church, Mountain City, TN. Services will be conducted by Rev. Buford Hankins and Rev. Jim Norman with music provided by First United Methodist Church and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church choirs. Graveside service and interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be her nephews. Honorary pallbearers will include numerous friends of the church and community. In lieu of flowers, she asked that memorial contributions may be made to Shouns Methodist Church, %Evelyn Hill, 172 Forge Creek Road, Mountain City, TN 37683. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.huxlipfordfh.com Hux-Lipford Funeral Home is serving the Helen Ruth Hawkins family.