Jessie Louise Hawthorne

Jessie Louise Hawthorne, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and matriarch of our family, went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 6, 2023. Born on the fourth of July, she was 78 years old. Jessie was born and raised in Oklahoma, but spent most of her life in Texas, where she lived many years in Burleson with the love of her life Jim and her three children, Karen, Chris, and Andy. Jessie was preceded in death by her husband Jim, her parents, Jessie Leon and Gracie Fay Hanes, as well as her three siblings, Reatha Hyatt, Helen Glenn, and James Hanes. She was also was also preceded in death by her stepson Todd Hawthorne. Jessie is survived by her children Karen Bennett and her husband Barry, Christopher Wilson, Andrew Hawthorne and his husband Josh, and Jim Bob Hawthorne and his wife Tammy. She is also survived by her grandchildren whom she greatly adored, Matthew Bennett, Bradley Bennett, Jacob Bennett and his wife Alexandra, Isabelle Wilson, Tucker Wilson, Brittany Hammett, Bo Hawthorne, Melanie Lafay, Cody Hawthorne, Emma Arzamendi, and Logan Kennedy. Jessie was also survived four great grandchildren, Hendrix Hawthorne, Harrison Arzamemdi, Preston Hammett, and Harper Hammett.


Jessie was an amazing woman who touched the lives of so many people, even as she courageously battled dementia. Like she did so many, Jessie profoundly affected the lives of her caregivers as she displayed her limitless capacity to love. Many are quick to use the word Love, but few have demonstrated and lived a life of love like Jessie. Her capacity to love was born through her abiding faith in Christ and the truths she knew and believed in God’s Word. Her life was a testament to that love, which she shared so freely to everyone she met.


Jessie was an extraordinary wife and mother. She loved her husband Jim with all of her heart and dedicated her life to him. One only had to see them together to know how much they loved each other. If fact they rarely went anywhere without the other. She always took care of Jim, whether he liked it or not, even as she successfully battled cancer. Jessie loved her children, pouring her life into them even after they were grown. While her kids were growing up, she was their biggest fan, cheering for them as they played football, soccer, softball, and even modeling. Jessie was so very proud of her children, always making sure to tell them so. The walls of her home were covered with pictures of her family, including her children and grandchildren. She taught all of us how to be selfless, generous, and kind.


Jessie was a proud and loving grandmother. In fact, after she became a grandmother, her name was forever and officially changed to “grandma,” a name she proudly wore. She adored her grandchildren and they loved her. Jessie had a special relationship with all her kids and grandkids, and she made sure they knew how much she loved them. She was always faithful to tell them “I love you.” Even though she lived 250 miles away from her grandchildren, she was always thinking of them. We are not exactly certain, but rumor has it she and Jim ate hundreds of happy meals, just so she could give her grandkids the toys. Visiting grandma in Burleson was always a treat, because she made sure to make each trip special. It meant spaghetti, bouncing on the trampoline, watching the Rangers or the Cowboys, and playing games. Jessie, and Jim loved the Rangers and Cowboys. Together, they would spend hours watching their favorite teams play, win or lose, but mostly lose. She passed on her love for the Rangers and Cowboys to her entire family.


Most of us know, that Jessie was a dedicated public servant, working for the Department of Public Safety for many years. We know, because she always talked to us about the DPS, especially when we were driving somewhere with her in the car. From her passenger seat, she made sure we were driving just how the DPS expected. Jessie loved her job, and the people she worked with whom she always called and considered to be part of her family. She made lifelong friendships that carried on long after she retired.


Jessie will be missed by so many because she loved so many is such a special way. Even as her health declined, she left an indelible mark on the people that cared for her. They called her “mother” because they knew how much she loved them. We have lost an unbelievable woman and a shining light for all that is good in the world and she will leave a void in all of our hearts. Her family is comforted by knowing she is enjoying the riches of Heaven, having been reunited with Jim, her parents and the rest of her family. Farewell Jessie, mom, grandma until we see you again in the glory of Heaven.


The family would like to thank her caregivers at The Blake, especially Crystal, and Embrace Hospice for their kindness, compassion, and dedication that provided to our mother and grandmother.