JoNita Hawes

Jo Nita Hawes of Montgomery, Texas passed away May 30, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Ray Hawes; her mother and stepfather, Frankie and John Elkins; and her father, Lloyd Joe Dickinson. Jo Nita is survived by her stepchildren Pat Eckert (Marc), Gerald Hawes (Cathy), William Hawes (Janet); her brother Sam Dickinson (Sharon); and many cousins, including Jan Boydstun and Jim Brackman. Known as 'Mimi' to her favorite people in the world, Jo Nita is survived by six grandchildren: Micayla, Justin, Elliott, Emah, Journee, and Gabriel. She is also survived by lifelong friends, Sherry and Amy. Jo Nita was born in Minden, Louisiana in 1947 and was a proud, self-proclaimed 'Coon Ass'. Growing up, she moved numerous times and attended 15 different schools, which led her to the belief that she 'never met a stranger' because she was accustomed to always making new friends. She attended Louisiana College, and later became an administrative assistant at Haliburton. She married Bill in 1985 and inherited an extended family. After moving to Montgomery in 2002, they found a neighborhood full of excellent neighbors, who became even more important upon Bill's death in 2010. Jo Nita often talked about her friends and their escapades in Martha's golf cart, Sandy offering help to mulch her yard, and get-togethers with everyone around Martha's fire pit. Jo Nita loved working on her house, playing Sudoku, and creating beautiful birds and flowers in her coloring books. Everyone knew that her main passion was working in her yard with her dog, Duncan. She also loved decorating for holidays, inside and out, and together with Bill, made many decorations for the yard. Her grandchildren have great memories of celebrating Halloween, Easter, and Christmas with her. You always knew where you stood with Jo Nita. She told the truth and said what was on her mind. She said and did things that made everyone laugh out loud. She could laugh at herself and always enjoyed relating stories that left people giggling for days. Our family is grateful for the excellent care Jo Nita received at Strake Place in Conroe, with help from amazing sitters (Brenda!) from TheKey. We know Jo Nita is finally at peace and in the loving arms of God, working in a garden, happy that she doesn't have to wear a bra ever again, making people laugh, and is quite possibly, still giving Gerald the bird. A visitation will be held June 8 at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Montgomery from 5-7 pm. A service will be held at the funeral home on June 9, at 11 am. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Pink Warrior Advocates (https://www.pinkwarrioradvocates.org/).

JoNita Hawes

March 23, 1947 - May 30, 2023