Billie Hawkins

Mr. Billie James Hawkins, Sr. Obituary:

Billie James Hawkins Sr. of Somerset, New Jersey was born on June 5, 1950 in Newberry, South Carolina to Mrs. Laura Mae Davenport and the late Solomon Davenport, Sr. Billie entered eternity on Sunday, August 30, 2020 at home with his wife at his bedside.

Billie relocated to Jersey City, NJ in 1952 with his parents and attended the Jersey City Public School System. Dedication and hard work are just a few of the many traits Billie possessed. As a child Billie was well known for selling newspapers and shining shoes in the business district in Jersey City and was always goal orientated.  In June of 1969 he graduated from Henry Snyder High School, where he was a letterman and all-star baseball player. After completing his high school education, he attended Essex County College, where he studied electrical engineering which led to his career at Public Services Electric Gas Company (PSEG). While at PSEG he received many awards and recognition for his career as an electrician and became the first and only African American Chief Electrician, dedicating 37 years and 9 months of services to the company before retiring in 2007.

Billie treasured his relationship with God and was a devout Christian. On November 3, 1990 Billie married Virginia Hawkins, “Vee”, as he’d called the love of his life for over 30 years. From this union they shared four children Charod, Cynthia, Billie Jr., and Brittany. He enjoyed traveling, cutting his grass, tending to the pool & exposing his family to the finer things in life. Billie was a sharp dresser and loved to dance and have a good time. In addition, he loved attending and hosting family cook-outs & Sunday Brunch on the deck. Billie was boundlessly loved by his wife, children, & grandchildren. He was the oldest grandchild and cousin of the Hawkins Family. Billie was well known as the local photographer, where he took hundreds of event photos, evolving into Bill Hawkins Photography. From a humble beginning, he flourished throughout the tristate area.

Billie leaves to cherish his memories his beloved wife Virginia Hawkins of Somerset, NJ; two sons: Billie Hawkins, Jr. of Somerset, NJ and Charod Williams South Brunswick, NJ & daughter-in-law Hadis Williams; two daughters: Cynthia E. Hawkins of Montclair, NJ and Brittany M. Hawkins of Somerset, NJ. Billie also leaves to cherish three grandchildren, Madison Louis-Charles of Somerset, NJ and Julian and Daniel Williams, both of South Brunswick, NJ. In addition, Billie leaves his mother, Laura Mae Davenport of Jersey City, NJ, three sisters: Shelia Johnson of Jersey City, NJ, Rosemary Byrd of St. Louis, Missouri, and Denise Davenport of Kissimmee Florida. Billie also leave to cherish his memories three: brothers Jerome Davenport, His wife, Michelle Davenport, and Michael Davenport of Jersey City, NJ and Allen Davenport of Kissimmee, Florida. Billie also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends to continue to carry on his legacy and memories.

Billie joins in heavenly paradise his father Solomon Davenport, Sr., his brothers Solomon “Jiggie” Davenport Jr. and Eddie Davenport and his grandmother, Eddie Mae Hawkins. Billie fought a good fight to live and remain strong after suffering two strokes and although he is no longer physically here with us, he will always remain in our hearts.

My darling, Bill, I may not always remember what you said. I may not always remember what you did. But, I’ll always remember how you made me feel.

Daddy, I am your precious flower. I was planted by devotion. You showered me in love. You fed me knowledge. I blossomed through resilience. I grow through strength. I am Billie’s daughter. I love you then, now & forever more.

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