Avis Maynard Hawkins

Avis passed away at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center on March 7, 2022, at the age of 90.  Avis was proceeded in death by her husband Milton, her grandsons Wylie Schmitt and JB Hawkins, her parents, and her siblings.  She is survived by her children Jim (Sigrid), Lyle, and Julie Schmitt (Matt).  Her grandchildren Tina Hawkins, Rob Hawkins (Kerin), Aaron Schmitt (Maury), and Jana Hewett (Jeff).  Her Great Grandchildren Jenalyn, Hunter, and Cooper Hewett.  Shyenne, and Michael Hawkins.

She was born and raised in Nashville TN.  She moved to Florida when her husband was stationed at Hurlburt Field.  In 1971, she purchased and operated Mary Esther Beauty Center.  The only hair salon between Hurlburt Field and Beal Pkwy until the opening of Santa Rosa Mall in 1975.  For eight years she sponsored a little league baseball team.  She always watched her team play and homerun hitters got a free haircut. 

Avis was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary for the Mary Esther Volunteer Fire Department back when they stored their firetrucks under a lean-to.  She was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter No. 334, Fayetteville, NC.  She participated in the FWB Community Chorus with her beloved husband Milton. She performed as Frosty the Snowman and as Grandma, who got run over by a Reindeer.  She helped handle their ticket sales and the front lobby for many years.

She was a staunch supporter of her 1949 graduating class of North Nashville High School attending many class reunions. It started with her 25th reunion all the way until her 75th missing only three.  Over the years, she spent hours on the phone talking to her high school friend Mattie. 

She was a dedicated member of First Christian Church of FWB, accepting and performing many duties and responsibilities for the church.  Avis was especially bossy about the organization of the kitchen. 

Avis was a ceramist with two kilns and over 2000 molds that took over the garage.  She loved making Christmas trees, Nativity scenes, and her favorite ceramic snowmen.  She had a collectible mentality, ha hah, in that she had many different collections of things.   

Avis had a lifelong patriotic spirit.  She worked the polls on Election Day in Mary Esther for 30 years.  This would be one of the few days she would close her shop.   Avis and Milton supported many charities with one of their favorites being St. Jude.  She raised money for Ronald McDonald house by recycling soda cans and collecting soda can tabs for them. She volunteered for the American Cancer Society.  She refused to allow any smoking in her salon and for many years she would style and help provide wigs for cancer patients.

When Avis retired in 1998, she became the caretaker for Milton until he passed in 2002.  Then she took to baking dozens of cookies for every holiday.  Avis delivered them to many recipients earning the nickname “The Cookie Lady.”  She loved playing Bunco.  There are friends she played with for over 40 years. 

Her last years were spent sitting on her front porch feeding the squirrels.  She had them eating out of her hand.  She had a special fondness for Letter Carriers as Milton was retired from the post office.  Each day she waited for the Letter Carrier to give them a drink and a snack. 

She always looked forward to Fridays when she would get her hair done.  Special thanks to Phyllis, who did her hair for many years, and Mitch, who took over when Phyllis retired.  Also, special thanks to many loving people who assisted her, Barb especially. 

Visitation and the funeral service will be held at the First Christian Church, 201 St. Mary Ave. SW, Fort Walton Beach, starting at 10am with the service at 11am on Monday, March 14th with Reverend Doctor Roger Peadro officiating.  Interment will be in Jesse Rogers Memorial Cemetery in Mary Esther following the service. McLaughlin Mortuary is entrusted with the arrangements.    

Avis would always say “We aren’t promised tomorrow.”  We’re going to miss you Momma!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Avis Hawkins to First Christian Church www.fccfwb.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  www.stjude.org

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