Laura Jean Hawkins

Laura Jean Gwin Hawkins, 98, passed away on November 27, 2025, in Maryville, Tennessee. She was born on June 24, 1927, in Hayti, Missouri to her parents, Jesse and Stacy Gwin, and she attended Hayti High School and Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas. Laura was a member of the Maryville Church of Christ for almost 70 years. She loved her faith and found comfort in practicing it. Laura was a loving mother to her son, Steve Hawkins and daughter, Rhonda Hawkins Stisher (husband Doug). She loved and cherished her grandchildren, Taylor Stisher and Jesse Hawkins, great-grandchildren Payne and Paxten. Laura was preceded in death by her parents, husband Raymond Hawkins and daughter Rhonda. Laura worked as a secretary for the Maryville Church of Christ for over 20 years, where she was an integral part of the church community. In her free time, Laura loved spending time with her family, traveling, and reading. Family will receive friends at 1:00 PM on Saturday December 13, 2025, at Smith Trinity Chapel, and a service to follow at 2:00 PM with Herbert Byrd Jr. officiating. Family and friends will assemble for an interment at 3:00 PM on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Grandview Cemetery. The family wants to extend a special thank you to special friend Cindy Eslinger, Brookdale Assisted Living at Springbrook and Gentiva Healthcare for providing for Laura in the last days of her life. Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.