Norman, OK - Bettie "MeMe" Hawkins

Bettie "MeMe" Hawkins, a loving wife and mother of three children, grandmother of eight, great-grandmother of eighteen, cherished friend, and devoted prayer warrior, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus at home while being held by her daughter, Kathy, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Bettie was born on September 3, 1932, in Cardwell, Missouri, to William and Maybell Richardson. She and her five sisters and three brothers grew up around Venice, Illinois. At the age of 14, Bettie and her sister, Laverne, traveled to Ada, Oklahoma, to spend the summer with their married sister. There, she caught the eye of a young man named Lee Hawkins, and the following summer, at just 15 years old, Bettie Richardson became his wife. Lee remained the love of her life for 76 years.

After their marriage, they made their home in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, where Bettie faithfully supported her husband in many business ventures. During that time, they spent three years in Cincinnati, Ohio, with their firstborn son, Tony. After returning to Pauls Valley, they welcomed Kathy and Mike into their family. In 1977, Bettie and Lee relocated to Norman, Oklahoma, where they continued building a home centered on faith and family.

Their home was always filled withpeople, laughter, and plenty of food. Bettie would sit for hours sharing her wisdom, advice, and unwavering faith. She rarely welcomed anyone into her home without first offering tea and dessert that almost always involved lemon. Known as a true prayer warrior, Bettie received countless phone calls and unexpected knocks at the door from people seeking prayer. Many would often say she had a direct line to Heaven because of her powerful prayers. She would simply smile and say, "You can too. Let me tell you how."

Bettie's greatest achievement was her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy and pride. She had a remarkable gift for making each grandchild and great-grandchild feel as though they were her favorite while celebrating every accomplishment and milestone. Above all else, her greatest desire was that every member of her family would not only believe and trust in Jesus Christ but would know Him personally as their Savior, Friend, Comforter, and Counselor.

Bettie was preceded in death by her husband, Lee; her parents; her brothers, David, Charlie, and Joey; and her beloved sisters, Ruth, Reyth, Dorothy, Mary Ellen, and Laverne.

She is survived by her children, Tony Lee and Becky Hawkins of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Kathy and Bill Ray of Norman, Oklahoma; and Michael and Amanda Hawkins of Norman, Oklahoma; her grandchildren, Leah and Travis Young of Plano, Texas; Justin and Melissa Hawkins of St. Charles, Missouri; BJ and Sara Ray of Edmond, Oklahoma; Katrina and John Casey of Chandler, Oklahoma; Benjamin and Jennifer Ray of Edmond, Oklahoma; Dr. Bryan and Allison Ray of Norman, Oklahoma; Caitlin and Macoby Donaldson of Orlando, Florida; and Zachary and Sabrina Hawkins of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Dr. Ashleigh Young, Nathan Young, Jack, Samuel, and Brooks Ray, John John, Jude, and Kit Casey, Anna and Benjamin Thomas Ray, Millie, Owen, and Evelyn Ray, Mia, Hattie, and Lucy Donaldson, and Hunter and Kipton Hawkins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Pathway of Life Recovery P.O. Box 51 Thibodaux, LA 70302 or Jacob's Ladder P.O. Box 308 Chandler, OK 74834

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful caregivers at Mercy Home Health. A very special thank you to Amber and Brittany. Words could never express how thankful we are for your love, compassion, and support over the past seven years. We would also like to thank Mom's, and our, dearest friend, Sheila, for bringing so much joy, laughter, and love to our family. Thank you. You will forever be a part of our family.

"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." Luke 1:45

A visitation for Bettie will be 5-7pm Monday June 29th at Tribute Memorial Care. Funeral Services will be 11am Tuesday June 30th at Tribute Memorial care with interment at 3pm at Mt Olivet Cemetery in Pauls Valley. To leave online condolences please visit www.tribute.care