Grace Elizabeth Jones Hawkins

Grace Elizabeth (Hill) Jones Hawkins, 87, of Nashville, TN, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on October 6th, 2024.

Grace was born on August 30th, 1937, in Nashville, TN, to Edward E. Hill, Jr. and F. Elizabeth (Bottoms) Hill. The second child and oldest daughter, she grew up in Inglewood and graduated from Isaac Litton High School in 1955. She was Litton’s 1954 Band Queen and a member of the drum majorettes in Litton’s prestigious “Marching 100” band. 

In her senior year at Isaac Litton, Grace began dating her close friend, Charles E. Jones. They married on March 9th, 1956, in Franklin, KY. While Charles pursued his education at Peabody College and Samford University’s pharmacy school, Grace supported them, kept house, helped him study, and took care of their first child. Later, she continued her education at Volunteer State College and became a licensed gemologist and diamontologist, a career in which her attention to detail and elegance made her well suited.

Grace later married William Edward (Ed) Hawkins, with whom she shared many happy years until his passing.

Grace had a deep love of art and was a talented painter, expressing her creativity on canvas as well as through her natural grace, as she was well named. She had an immaculate bearing and a keen eye for fashion. Her appreciation for beauty extended beyond painting; she designed the interior of her homes flawlessly. She also had a passion for genealogy, travel, history, and architecture, which she shared with her loved ones. She most enjoyed visiting historical sites, with Williamsburg, VA holding a special place in her heart.

Grace was a committed member of her church and community. She was a charter member of St. James the Less Episcopal Church in Nashville, where she faithfully served for 25 years, including three years as director of the altar guild. She also attended Trinity Episcopal Church in Clarksville, TN, for more than 20 years where she served on the Pastoral Care Team, giving communion to those who could not attend church services. She even traveled for hours to provide communion to her former mother-in-law, Eddie Jones. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the King, reflecting her deep commitment to her faith and heritage.

Grace also served her community as a member of the board of directors for the Middle Tennessee Diabetes Association. Known for her boundless energy, Grace was a diligent homemaker who took great pride in maintaining an immaculate house all while working full time. In retirement, she found joy in helping others, traveling, and staying closely connected to her lifelong friends, earning her the well-deserved nickname "Amazing Grace."

Grace was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her family was the cornerstone of her life. Grace had a strong relationship with her sisters, who were her lifelong confidantes and cherished friends. She embraced her children’s spouses as family and had a special relationship with each of them. She is survived by her children, Angela Rene Schuman (Randy), P. Michael Jones (Aimie), and Crystal Hill Jones (Melanie); her grandchildren, William Calain Schuman, Seth Schuman, Raven Schuman, Connor Elliott Jones, Harrison Jones, and Emilie Jones; and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Ann (Hill) McMahan, and brother-in-law, Jack L. McMahan, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Charles E. Jones, Jr.; her grandson, Ryan Lucas Reed; her first husband, Charles E. Jones; her second husband, Ed Hawkins; her brother, Edward E. Hill III, a decorated Army war veteran; and her sister, Virginia (Hill) Sanford.

Funeral services will be held at St. James the Less Episcopal Church in Madison, TN, on All Saints Day, November 1st, 2024. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., with services starting at 1:00 p.m. Private graveside services will follow. 

Grace's memory will be cherished by all who knew her, and her legacy of love, faith, curiosity, creativity, and generosity will live on through her family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to any of the following: Breakthrough T1D (formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), Tennessee Camp for Diabetic Children (TCDC), or St. James the Less Episcopal Church. 

Remember Only My Best

When I come to the end of my journey

And I travel my last weary mile, 

Just forget, if you can, that I ever frowned

And remember only the smile.

Forget unkind words I have spoken;

Remember some good I have done.

Forget that I’ve stumbled and blundered

And sometimes fell by the way. 

Remember I have fought some hard battles

And won, ere the close of the day.