Catherine Elizabeth Richardson Hawkins

A Treasured Life: A Legacy Preserved

Mrs. Catherine Elizabeth Richardson Hawkins peacefully departed this life on December 5, 2024 at the age of 100 years. In 100 years, the themes and patterns in her life are clear, all generated by love: her love for God through service, devotion to her children and family, commitment to humanitarian efforts, especially the fight for civil rights and dignity for all, and dedication to ensuring quality education for all. Her loving family wants to give you a snapshot of her enduring legacy and challenge you to contribute to it in your own way.

Catherine was born on September 4, 1924 to Bernice Martin Richardson and Paul Hamilton Richardson. The middle sister to Annie Louise and Emily Marie, they were raised in a loving household in Charlotte, NC.

"Cat," as she was called affectionately by her friends, lived a life full of rich experiences. She was married to the late Dr. Reginald Armistice Hawkins, a dentist and Presbyterian minister, from September 8, 1945 to May 6, 1994. Through this union they reared four children, Pauletta Charlene (Bibi Khaalis), Reginald, Jr. (Abdullah Salim; wife Umme Salma), the late Wayne Beauregard (Tanya), and Lorena Bernice. Catherine has nine grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.

Service to others became the pattern for her spiritual life. As an infant, Catherine was christened. When she was twelve years old, she became a member of the Seventh Street Presbyterian Church (later renamed First United Presbyterian Church). In 1961, her church honored her by naming her Mother of the Year. For six years she served as deacon, a high honor for a woman. Later she received another accolade, serving as an Elder for six years in the early 1970s. Catherine became an active member of the United Presbyterian Women's Organization. When she moved to Raleigh, NC in 1990, she joined the Davie Street Presbyterian Church faith community. Her leadership and commitment to the Lord through service opened the door for her to be elected Moderator of the Davie Street Presbyterian Women. In June 2004 she moved to Silver Spring, Maryland where she selected the Leisure World Inter-Faith Chapel as her place of worship. There she participated in visits to minister to patients at a local health and nursing center.

Her son, Salim, quoted that in her own way, she fought the battle for civil rights. She was a backbone of support for the civil rights movement in Charlotte, NC, raising their children while Dr. Hawkins led the fight for rights in Charlotte, the state and the nation. Imagine the strength, courage, and tenacity required of her throughout these turbulent times. She maintained a healthy home while they endured racist threats, their home being shot through and bombed by civil rights opponents. She did not wilt in the face of this violence.

Catherine had a zest for learning and education. She graduated as Valedictorian of the West Charlotte High School Class of 1942. She attended A & T State University for one year and then transferred to and graduated from Johnson C. Smith University. An exemplary student, Catherine graduated college in 3 years, achieving the honor of Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Math and Science in 1945. At Smith, Catherine also distinguished herself by becoming a founding member of the Gamma Delta Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. a source of great pride through the years which was celebrated in November 2024. We thank them for celebrating Catherine's life with us today.

Looking to the future, she continued her preparation by attending Central Piedmont Community College where she received an Associate of Arts degree in Scientific Data Processing. Thereafter, she attended Fordham University, taking courses in Mathematics and Computer Processing. Her final, formal degree was from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she earned a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling in 1976.

Catherine taught math and data processing in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools before becoming a guidance counselor. Promoted to head counselor at Independence High School and South Mecklenburg High school, she helped support and guide students to critical decisions about their futures. After retirement, students still sought

her out expressing gratitude and praise for her lasting influence on their lives. Catherine and her sister, Emily, relished traveling, Bridge, entertaining, club activities and shared numerous social, "fun" activities.

An accomplished woman, she lived her life in a moral and spiritual manner. She was mother to many and counselor to many. Her goal was to do her part in making every community in which she lived a better place for all.

Diminutive in stature with the heart of a lion and the tenacity and courage of many, the term fearless leader describes Mrs. Hawkins. She participated in and led many organizations to achieve the goal of making the community a better place for all. As a charter member of the Gamma Delta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc at JCSU, she served as the First Basileus. She continued her work with its graduate chapter where she also served as Basileus. A woman's gifts will make room for her. (Proverbs 18:6) Catherine's abilities and organizational skills caused her to be chosen as president of the Links, Inc. as well as Jack and Jill of America. She participated with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Inc., serving as its chairperson.

Cat's family, the Naudin-Dibble Family, plans and sponsors a historic family reunion every two years. Until her health precluded it, she kept the history of this trailblazing family as its "griot." Her recordkeeping was impeccable. Her memories of dates, occurrences, and what they meant are extensive and detailed. The role she played among us, connected us to each other. She made sure those connections continued for us as a family. Catherine wrote and documented biographies of our family which was no small feat. She was heard to say that if a people lose their history, they lose their culture; if we lose our culture; we lose our souls and our future. A giant has gone home. Who will pick up her mantle and continue her legacy?

Left to celebrate Catherine's life are her loving children: Bibi Khaalis, Abdullah Salim (Umme Salma), Lorena Hawkins; Tanya Hawkins; Grandchildren: Abdullah's children – Saladin, Umme, Salim, Janna (Lyle), Wayne and Tanya's children – Damion and Tamara Nicole (Bryan); Lorena's - Krysta, Purcell(Lauren), Austin (Eliza) Bailey; and 11 great grandchildren. She is also survived by niece Darnell Ivory, and nephews James Brian Hawkins, Darryl Hawkins, David Thomas and Michael Thomas. Her sister-in-law, Margaret Thomas. Catherine is survived by a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, countless friends and church associates.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given in memory of Catherine Richardson Hawkins to

First United Presbyterian Church
406 N. College St
Charlotte, NC 28202

and/or

Johnson C Smith University
JCSU Fund
In memory of Catherine Richardson Hawkins
Class of 1945
Attn: Institutional Advancement
100 Beatties Ford Rd
Charlotte, NC 28216

Service live stream

www.fupcc.org