Joyce Hawkins

Francis Joyce Hawkins, 87, of Columbus, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 1, 2025.

Funeral services will be held at Wynnton Methodist Church, 2412 Wynnton Road, Columbus, GA , Friday February 7, 2025, at 1:00pm. The family will have a visitation starting at 12:00 Noon at the church. Interment will be held at 3:00pm at Parkhill Cemetery, 4061 Macon Rd. Columbus, GA  according to McMullen Funeral Home, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA.

Joyce was born on May 1, 1937, in Tallapoosa, Ga to the late Robert Archer and Beatrice Chapman Archer. She graduated from Tallapoosa High School and went on to work in supportive roles at various schools and doctor’s offices and retired with the University System of Georgia. While married to Reverend Paul Whitlock, Jr. and raising four children, Joyce stayed incredibly busy volunteering at the church and forming lifelong friendships throughout the United Methodist Church in the South Georgia Conference.

After Paul's passing, she married the late Joe Hawkins of Milledgeville, GA. They enjoyed planning and taking trips together and visiting family. After Joe’s passing in 2001, Joyce moved back to Columbus to be near her children and joined Wynnton United Methodist Church. Being a member of the church choir was her hobby, passion and community of friends.

Joyce also enjoyed baking for others and walking for exercise and was very proud of her Midtown Classic 5K medals. She was a regular at the movie theater and often had lunch with family and friends at Dinglewood Pharmacy on Saturdays and with choir friends at CiCis on Sundays.

As the disease of dementia progressed and her abilities declined, Joyce’s heart for others in need and her desire to be well dressed and accessorized remained true to her vibrant personality.Thank you to the caregivers who continued to honor her life. Let us rejoice that our beautiful friend and mother has gone home to God.

Survivors include her children: Keith Whitlock of Columbus, GA. Kim Carroll of Columbus, GA, Kecia Cawthorne (Eddie) of Columbus, GA and Kevin Whitlock (Amy) of Milledgeville, GA. Grandchildren: Haley Taylor (Zac) of Cross Roads, TX, Brooke Whitlock of Columbus, GA, Wages Carroll of Atlanta, GA, Anna Carroll of Boston, MA, Win Cawthorne of Atlanta, GA, Mary Cawthorne of Columbus, GA and Billy Whitlock (Erin) of Milldegeville, GA. Her sister: Alice McCroskey of Atlanta, GA. and 2 Great Grandchildren.

If desired, donations or flowers may be sent to Wynnton Methodist Church, 2412 Wynnton Rd., Columbus, GA 31906.