Alma Robertson

Obituary For Alma Robertson

Alma Jolly Hawkins Robertson was born on March 24, 1933, in Coldwater, Mississippi, to Jesse Jolly and Irma Boone Jolly. She was raised in a large, close‑knit family, and that deep sense of family would shape every corner of her life and become one of her greatest legacies. Alma peacefully transitioned from this life on March 25, 2026.

Alma pursued her education with determination and purpose, graduating from LeMoyne‑Owen College in 1956. That same year, she married Edgar Hawkins Jr., and together they began building a life rooted in love, service, and community. The couple settled in Memphis, Tennessee, where Alma would spend decades pouring into the lives of others.

For 44 years, Alma dedicated herself to Memphis City Schools, touching the lives of countless students, colleagues, and families throughout her remarkable career. She leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, kindness, and unwavering commitment to the children of Memphis.

Alma was a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, where she found lifelong sisterhood and purpose through service. She was also an avid traveler and a passionate basketball fan who never missed an opportunity to cheer on a great game. Those who knew her best remember her as a consummate hostess who made every guest feel special and welcomed. Her radiant smile was genuine, and her loyalty to those she loved was absolute.

Among her proudest achievements was her leadership in organizing the Jolly Family Reunion, an endeavor that brought together generations and strengthened family bonds across time and distance. For Alma, family was everything, and she worked tirelessly to ensure no one ever felt forgotten.

Alma was a devoted and faithful member of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, where her relationship with the Lord was the foundation of her life. Her faith was not something she kept to herself—she lived daily as a reflection of God’s grace. Those who loved her take comfort in knowing she now rests in His eternal arms.

Alma was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Irma Boone Jolly; her brothers, Jesse Brinkley Jolly, Major Scipio Jolly, Homer Jolly, and Warner Jolly; and her sister, Velma Hall.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Carolyn Hawkins; her sons, Edgar (Crystal) Hawkins and Andrew (Toya) Hawkins; her grandchildren, Jessica, Brandon, Edgar IV, Richard, Venson, and Crystan Hawkins; Tiffany (Morris) Perry; Jasmine (Rodney) Morgan; Xytoi Miller; and Andrew Hawkins II; her sister, Gwendolyn Milroe; sister‑in‑law, Julius Jolly; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

The family will receive friends Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 4:00pm-6:00pm at RS Lewis & Sons Funeral Home 2944 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38111. Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 10, 2026 11:00am at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church 70 N Bellevue Blvd, Memphis, TN 38104.

Entombment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119

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