Joanne B. Hawkins | Funeral director, 60

Joanne Barbara Hawkins, 60, a funeral director in South Philadelphia for 35 years, died Friday, Jan. 20, of heart failure at Carteret General Hospital in Morehead City, N.C.

Ms. Hawkins graduated from Philadelphia High School for Girls in 1968 and earned a bachelor's degree from George Washington University in 1972.

After graduating from American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in 1974, she joined her father in the operation of James L. Hawkins Funeral Home in South Philadelphia. She took over the business when her father retired in 1990.

"She always provided service with style, grace, a smile, and a hug," said Lisa Hawkins, who with her husband, Bruce - Ms. Hawkins' first cousin - operates the Bruce R. Hawkins Funeral Home in East Oak Lane. "Even though it may have been one of several funerals she was handling, she also knew that for each family, it was their only funeral service, and there was only one opportunity to do it right."

Ms. Hawkins served three terms as president of the Quaker City Funeral Directors Association. She was an officer with Frontiers International, an African American service organization, and was also an officer in the Philadelphia Chapter. She served on the board of Lincoln Day Nursery in South Philadelphia.

In 2005, Ms. Hawkins and her husband, the Rev. Larry Harris, retired to Morehead City.

For the last five years, she was an associate in the Wal-Mart store in Morehead City. She was so well-loved that the store closed Monday so employees could attend her viewing that day, Lisa Hawkins said.

In addition to her husband of 37 years, Ms. Hawkins is survived by a son, Ernest; a daughter, Sharilyn; five grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

A funeral will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30, at Gospel Temple Baptist Church, 1327 S. 19th St. Friends may call from noon.