Verdell Hawkins Nix was born in Albany, Georgia on December 28, 1958.  She was the beloved daughter of the late Henry James Hawkins, Sr. and Arie Lee Scott Hawkins.

She was educated in the public schools of Dougherty County, graduating from Monroe High School.  Throughout school, Verdell was a considerate, attentive young lady who was a ray of sunshine to everyone around her.

Very early in life, Verdell accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was a faithful member of New Jerusalem Pentecostal Ministries and willingly served wherever needed.  She dearly loved the Lord and her strong faith and convictions allowed her to be an example for her family, friends, and all who encountered her.

Verdell was an altruistic mother who looked well to the ways of her household and often sacrificed her needs for the good of her family.  Blessed with       supreme culinary skills at an early age, she began her career in food service shortly after high school.  As a dietician with the Dougherty County School System, Verdell took great pride in ensuring that the students and staff at Turner Elementary School were provided tasty and nutritious meals.  Over the years, she took great pride in her work and the exceptional service that she  rendered.

Loving mother, doting grandmother, caring sister, nurturing aunt, committed cousin, and constant friend, Verdell embraced life with open arms.  She had a kind heart and a very generous spirit, was caring and very out-going, and she had a beautiful smile and great sense of humor that captured the hearts of   everyone in her midst.  To know her was to truly love her.  She had a special way of getting to know people and becoming a part of their lives.  Her doors were always open and her table was always spread to anyone in need.  To the     hungry, she offered food; to the sick, she offered compassion; to the broken hearted, she offered consolation; and to the companionless, she offered friendship.  Yes, Verdell laughed often, felt unbridled happiness, and loved unconditionally.  She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of being a part of her life.

On September 23, 2024, Verdell transitioned from this earthly life to eternal rest.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by four siblings, Sheila Hawkins, Jessie Hawkins, Henry James Hawkins, Jr., and Gregory L. Hawkins.

Cherished memories will forever remain in the hearts of her children, Pamela Hawkins-Oliver (Mark), Kimberly Hawkins-Batiste (Lee), and Shakelia Nix; siblings, Margarette Hawkins, Solomon Hawkins, Donna Tonge (Jahwah), Rosemary Hawkins, Gerald Hawkins, Sherald Hawkins, Jonathan Hawkins, and heresa Hawkins; grandchildren, Iesha Gillan-Johnson (Tyrell), Dantavious Brown, Anissia Hawkins, Dorian Brown, Tangeleon Brown, Elegra Warren, Leah Batiste, Fedarrow Gibson, Jr. Fedajah Gibson, Justin Gibson, Devin Gibson, Julien Grace, Jr.; two very special friends, Matilda Kegler-Arnold and Winston Thomas; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.