Lorraine Hawkins

(From Parker Mortuary)

Lorraine Hawkins, age 95 of Joplin, went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at Freeman Hospital.

Lorraine was born June 23, 1922 in Waterloo, Nebraska to the late Elva Morgan and Agnes Stelts Morgan. She graduated from Seneca High School where she was on the women's basketball team. Lorraine was a homemaker, taking great care of her family while traveling throughout the US because of her husband's job with the U.S. Geological Society. After retirement, they settled in Diamond, Missouri where she was active in her community, spearheading the start of Gem City Days. After 20 years, they moved to Joplin where she remained a faithful and very active member of Forest Park Baptist Church. Along with her husband, Clarence, they were one of the first couples to form the Young Marrieds Sunday School Class.

Lorraine was an avid Royals and Cardinals sport fan. During the K.C. Royals World Series, Lorraine was made famous by the media, being known as the "Darling of the Royals".

On May 29, 1940, Lorraine married Clarence E. Hawkins in Girard, Kansas. He preceded her in death on January 19, 2007. Additionally, two siblings preceded Lorraine in passing.

Survivors include a daughter, Annita Bowers and husband Phil, of Overland Park, Kansas; grandsons, Derrick Whipkey of Overland Park, Nathan Whipkey and wife Megan, of Spring Hill, Kansas; step grandchildren, Charissa English and husband Adam, of Lillington, North Carolina, Aaron Bowers and wife Paula, of Olathe, Kansas; nine great grandchildren, Colten and Makayla Whipkey, Kaitlyn and Weston Whipkey, Cassidy English, Brett, Aubryn and Braylon Bowers, and Colton Earls.

Funeral services are planned for Monday, September 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Parker Mortuary, Joplin. Family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the mortuary.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.