Obituary of Reverend Jerry D. Hawkins
Reverend Jerry D. Hawkins, 91, Indianapolis, Indiana, the second youngest of 11 children, was born to Sarah and James Hawkins on August 2, 1934.
In 1952, Jerry graduated Crispus Attucks High School. After high school, he moved to Chicago, Illinois to live with his sister, Katheryn and secured his first job with Western Electric.
After relocating to the “Windy City”, Jerry decided to join the National Guard. He served as a draftee for two years in the United States Army at Beale Air Force Base as a radio operator during the Korean War.
Upon discharge of his military service in 1954, Jerry returned home to Indianapolis where he attended Butler University with a focus on studying World History.
Jerry's employment history included working at the Finance Center, Ford Motor Company, and eventually the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier until his retirement in 2004, giving him a total of 50 years of federal service. It wasn’t long before boredom set in and he decided to work part-time at Target, holding multiple positions until 2023.
Jerry was joined in matrimony to Shirley Vandever from 1960 until 1965. Their union produced one daughter, Elaine.
In August 1977, Jerry followed the call of the Lord on his life and became a minister serving in the 4th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Throughout his 18 year bi-vocational career, Jerry served as pastor for Portland, Dunkirk, Bethel (New Albany), Robinson Community, and Coppin Chapel before retiring from the ministry in 1995. After retiring, he still served at his childhood church, St. John AME.
In June 1983, Jerry was wed to Geraldine Crowdus. From their union he gained a stepdaughter, Gina, and a daughter, Angel, was born.
Jerry loved being active and could always be found indulging in one of his favorite pastimes which included playing sports, riding his bicycle, reading, eating, and most of all watching sports, westerns, and mystery TV shows.
Jerry departed this life on Monday, December 15, 2025 at the age of 91.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Sarah Hawkins; his wife, Geraldine Hawkins; his siblings: Bishop James C. Hawkins, Marie Williams, Sarah Morgan, Ruth Hawkins, George Hawkins, Kathryn Collum, Attorney William Hawkins, Rosalee Huggins, Richard Hawkins, and Mary Johnson.
Jerry leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Elaine Hart (Andre), Gina Owens (Kevin), and Angel Hawkins; grandchildren,: Andre Hart Jr., Amanda Hart, Kevin Owens II, Mattison Hawkins, and a host of nieces and nephews.
No services will be held.