Matilda “Bae” Norfleet Hawkins, at the age of 102, peacefully passed away at home, Friday, April 26, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was born to Indiana Carlisle Norfleet and Jacob Norfleet Jr., on March 26, 1922, in Newbern, Alabama. She was one of fifteen children. Matilda attended Reynolds Chapel School. She married Arthur Hawkins in December 1940, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Matilda attended Second Mount Olive Baptist Church for more than 30 years and later attended Refreshing Spring until 2020 where she began serving the Lord from her home and visiting churches with her children and grandchildren. Matilda was a loyal servant of God and was passionate about sharing the love of the Lord with others. When not sharing her love of God with others, you could find Matilda in her garden, tilling the land to feed her family, as well as her community. While she worked, the sweet sound of her voice, as she sang the gospel, soothed and warmed hearts.

Matilda was the proud sister of gospel singers, The Norfleet Brothers. They were best known as the headlining act of Chicago’s “Jubilee Showcase,” a gospel television program that showcased the best talent in gospel music. Every time she heard her brothers sing there was a wave of joy that filled her soul. She could never get enough of her brothers’ melodious voices.

Matilda’s heart was pure gold. She would never hesitate to give her last to someone in need. She was unselfish, patient, kind and loved unconditionally. Matilda loved with her whole heart. She was respected by all and loved by all. A true gem who will be missed.

Matilda’s legacy will live on forever through the many stories she shared and the memories of those who had the opportunity to know her.

Matilda was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great- grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Matilda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arthur Hawkins; daughter, Mable “Teddy” Norfleet Williams; sons, Arthur Hawkins Jr. and Marvin Hawkins; grandsons, Duane Williams and Laron Kidd; brothers, James, Jacob III, Moses, Frank, Matthew, Peter, Arthur, Joseph, Junious, and Benjamin; and sisters, Indiana, Sarah, Mable, and Lucy Jane.

Matilda leaves to cherish her memories, her children Shirley “Patsy” Thompson, Deborah Hawkins, Junious Hawkins (Millie), Joseph Hawkins (Lawana), Walter Hawkins, Sylvia Hawkins Crosby (Alonzo), John Hawkins and Laron Hawkins; Grandchildren, Robin, Cheryl, Jawana, Rhoni, LaRonda, Marvin Jr., Malik, Curtis II, James, Junious Jr., Rasa, Marquita, Jordan, Jamil, Malcolm, Mustafa, Marvin, Michael, ShaNana, and Caleb; Great Grandchildren, Dominique, Cierra, Myron, Marzel, Amber, Malik, Jadyn, Anisa, MarChay, Joe, Ahmad, Shane; and Great Great Grandchildren, Ayden, Josiah, Makhi.

For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. – Psalm 48:14