SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Mr. Ervin Sylvester “Vester” Hawkins, 73, peacefully departed this earthly life and entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, in the serenity of his home. 

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He was born Feb. 19, 1936, in Halifax County, the son of the late Frazier Lee Hawkins Sr. and Hessie Hawkins Faulcon.

He attended John Armstrong Chaloner School, where he graduated with the Class of 1955. After high school, Ervin joined the United States Air Force where he served a tour of duty in Vietnam and was honorably discharged on Dec. 2, 1968.

He resided in San Bernardino, where he worked in the construction industry for many years.

Ervin enjoyed a good game of dominos, a good conversation, and sharing one of his many stories. His love for his family was unending and he never failed to visit them, oftentimes making the long trip from California by himself, with a camera and coffee as his only companions.

On Sept. 26, 1959, Ervin married the former Audrey Martin. He later married the former Vivian Dandridge on Sept. 14, 1974, who preceded him in death in 2004. To this union one child, John Eric, was born.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ervin was preceded in death by a brother, the Rev. Charles Hawkins; and a brother-in-law, David Crisp.

Remaining to cherish his memories are his son, John Eric Hawkins, and a stepson, Terrance Dandridge, both of California; two stepdaughters, Joyce Dandridge of Alaska and Toni James of California; one stepgrandchild, Tiani Franklin; three brothers, his twin, Frazier Lee Hawkins Jr. (Catherine) of Roanoke Rapids, Merlin Hawkins (Priscilla) of Durham and Carl Hawkins (Diana) of Garysburg; two sisters, Jean Crisp of California and Eula Crisp (Floyd) of Durham; a devoted friend until the end, Audrey Martin Johnson of Roanoke Rapids; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends, both in North Carolina and California.

He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Mark B. Shaw Chapel of Aaron Cremation and Burial Services , located at 1525 North Waterman Ave., San Bernardino CA 92404.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, at the funeral home in California. Interment will follow at 2 p.m., at Riverside National Cemetery.

The Hawkins family will receive relatives and friends at the home of his twin brother, Frazier (Lettie) Hawkins, located at 326 Webb Hill, Roanoke Rapids.

 Aaron Burial and Cremation Services in San Bernardino and H.D. Pope Funeral Home in Roanoke Rapids is handling the arrangements.