Sep 3, 1929 - Sep 2, 2024 Mabel Laverne Hawkins went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, September 2nd, 2024, the day before her 95th birthday. She was born September 3rd,1929 to Joe Denton and Faye Blackburn Denton in Big Spring, Texas. Joe and Faye Denton had three daughters, Ruth Gibson, Mabel Hawkins, and Jo Bryant.
After tragically losing her father at the age of four, Mabel and her mother and sisters move to the Merkel area to live on their grandparent's farm. Mabel, her mother, and her sisters worked in the fields on their grandparent's farm. Mabel graduated from Merkel High School, and then went to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech to be close to her sister Ruth and her husband LB Gibson.
While attending Texas Tech, she went on the one and only blind date of her life with Royce Jopling who would eventually be her husband and the father of her children. Royce and Mabel were blessed with two children with their first born Joe and later their daughter Susan. Royce and Mabel raised their family in Lubbock.
After losing Royce, Mabel met Bundy Bratcher through mutual friends. She married Bundy and moved to Plainview and became a part of the Bratcher's extended family. In the 90's, Bundy and Mabel moved to Bryan and found a church home at First Baptist Bryan where they were welcomed and made wonderful friends who always appreciated Bundy's homemade ice cream.
Mabel married Dr. Henry Hawkins after losing Bundy and once again was blessed with a wonderful husband and stepfamily. Mabel and Henry were deeply passionate about worshiping the Lord in the Sunday's School Classes and the Worship Service at First Baptist Bryan.
Henry and Mabel were a great comfort to each other throughout their marriage, and especially as they faced health challenges in their later years. Mabel is predeceased by her sister Ruth Gibson and husbands: Royce Jopling, Bundy Bratcher, and Dr. Henry Hawkins.
She is survived by her son Dr. Joe Jopling & his wife Marty, and their children Dr. Jeff Jopling & family.
She is also survived by Jennifer Jopling & husband Rob McDonald & family. She is also survived by her daughter Susan Bockmon and her husband Bill along with Susan's stepdaughter Laura Pemberton & her husband Russell & their children Courtney and Justin along with Susan's stepson Brian Bockmon & Daughter in Law Christina. Mabel is survived by her sister Jo Bryant along with her nephew Bob Bryant and niece Bonnie Bryant.
She is also survived by nephew Roger Gibson and wife Alicia. Mabel is survived by the Bratcher family. John & Mary Beth Bratcher along with their children Aaron Bratcher and family & daughter Ashley Sauls and family.
She is also survived by Sue Bratcher & her children Elaine Steidle, Chris Bratcher, & Brian Bratcher & their families. Mabel is survived by the Hawkins family, Gaye & Henry Hawkins III and their children Diane Montgomery and Hal Hawkins. She is also survived by Michaelyn Hawkins Walker and her husband Gary.
Mabel embodied everything about beauty and elegance. She had an innate ability to appreciate all things beautiful whether it was exhibited in her paintings, home decorations or her beautiful delicious meals. She led an exemplary life as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
She was a life long student of God's Word and had an unshakable faith through many difficult circumstances in her life. She is leaving a legacy of faith in her family. Please visit www.
hillierfuneralhome.com to share deepest condolences and expressions of gratitude for Mabel and a life well lived. Get local news delivered to your inbox!.
