Edith Ernestine Hawkins, 81, of Fenton died Aug. 14, 2026, at SSM St. Clare Hospital. Mrs. Hawkins worked in food service in the healthcare field. She was known for her immense warmth, kindness and grace. She was dedicated to nurturing her family and created a space of love, laughter and many memories. She will be remembered for her strength and gentle spirit. Born April 13, 1945, in Kalamazoo, Mich., she was the daughter of Viola (Kreamalmeyer) Fleschute and Floyd Turnbough Sr.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 10 years: Charles Hawkins.
She is survived by three children: Deborah Opfer, Lisa (John) Meinhardt and Carla Weick, all of Fenton; six grandchildren: Brandi Eskew of Arnold, Glen Bradford Jr. of St. Charles, Kimberly Opfer of Imperial, Matthew Bradford of Fenton, Christina Foens of Cedar Hill and Melissa Opfer of Arnold; 16 great-grandchildren; five siblings: Floyd (Shelly) Turnbough of Alabama, Robert (Sandy) Turnbough of Illinois, Ralph (Ruby) Turnbough of Barnhart, Ricky Turnbough of Fenton and Michael Turnbough Illinois; and numerous other family members and friends.
She also was preceded in death by four siblings: Billy Turnbough Sr., Terry Turnbough Sr., Florence Gray and Garnath Yvonne Stagner; and a son-in-law: Gary Opfer.