Mary “Pauline” Hawkins passed away peacefully at her home in Denison, Texas on February 14, 2021 at the age of 79. She was born November 10, 1941 in Whitewright, Texas to Joe Stephens and Bonnie Jenkins.

Pauline was born into a family of honest, hardworking people who worked as sharecroppers. She was blessed with her mother Bonnie who was an ardent Christian and a devoted student of the Scriptures. Pauline was a wonderful biscuit maker, a skill learned from her childhood as it was one of her daily chores.

John D. Rice was her first husband and they had three sons together before his death in 1997. She then married Tom Hawkins in 2000 and they enjoyed working in several places as necessitated by his work.

She was a loving mother who wanted what was best for her boys. She loved watching them play ball and for summer time they ran the concession stand at the games.

She worked for Texas Instruments for 30 years and finished her career with Raytheon as a production supervisor. She was a very hard working and had many friends she made while working at TI. In her spare time, she loved watching “Matlock” and working Sudoku puzzles. She adored her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them.

Pauline is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Bonnie; her first husband, John D. Rice; siblings, Don Stephens, Wilma Lou Baker, Peggy Stephens, Tracy Stephens, Herd Stephens, Ivy Joe Stephens, and Almena Stephens.

She is survived by her husband, Tom Hawkins of Denison; sons, Michael Keith Rice of Oklahoma, Brian Lynn Rice of Denison, Jeffery Craig Rice and wife Connie of Denison; grandchildren, Keisha Nicole Rice, and John Zachariah Rice both of Denison; brother, Ceras Stephens of Arlington, along with a large extended family and friends.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 1:00PM at Rose Hill Cemetery in Bells, Texas. Due to Covid-19 masks will be required at the graveside service, and social distancing will be requested.

Arrangements are with Mullican-Little Funeral Home, Bells, Texas. An online registry may be signed at www.mullicanlittle.com