Laura Lynn Hawkins

Laura Lynn (Taylor) Hawkins, 71, of Portland, TX, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, February 6, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer.

Born on September 29, 1954, at Fort George G. Meade in Maryland, Laura lived a life defined by strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication. She proudly served her country in the United States Air Force and the United States Army Reserve, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSgt). Enlisting in 1976, she served honorably until 1985.

During her military career, she was stationed at Chanute Air Force Base; Vandenberg Air Force Base; McGuire Air Force Base; F.E. Warren Air Force Base; and Andrews Air Force Base.

Her distinguished service was recognized with the Air Force Good Conduct Ribbon, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award with one oak leaf cluster. These honors reflected her deep sense of duty, steadfast discipline, and enduring love of country.

Following her military career, Laura continued her commitment to service as a Marketing and Public Relations Director for the Department of the Air Force at Beale Air Force Base in California. Pursuing her love of writing, she authored two monthly columns—one in The Sacramento Bee and another in The Grass Valley Roots. In these roles, she once again made a meaningful and lasting impact, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and community members alike.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Laura was known for her compassion, integrity, and generous spirit. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who placed family at the center of her life. She offered wisdom, warmth, and unwavering support to all who knew her.

Laura found joy in gardening, reading, crocheting, and participating in her faith community. A lifelong learner, she possessed deep intellectual curiosity and carried the discipline and determination of her military service into every endeavor she pursued.

Above all, Laura loved her family. She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Jeffrey Hawkins; her sister, Joyce Nurse (Ed) Thelma Pausch (Bill); and her brother, Charles Taylor Jr. (Kathy).

She also leaves behind her daughters, identical twins Chrissy Stice (Terry) and Cathy Nicosia (Mike); her sons, Bo Vickers (Lisa) and Noel Covey (Amanda); and her cherished grandchildren: Lauren Orozco (Fernando), Cody Stice, Justin McArthur (Brooke), Makenzie Viera (Justin), Colby Vickers, Zayne McArthur (Dakota), Drew Draper (Jake), Cooper Vickers, and Riley Vickers. She was further blessed with great-grandchildren: Jameson Deem, Cason McArthur, Grayson Orozco, Beau McArthur, Reece Viera, Ace Viera, and Morgan Stice. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Taylor Sr.; her mother, Marly G. Lowry; her sister, Linda Kolodziejski; and her brother, Glenn Taylor.

A graveside service honoring her life and military service will be held at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, 9974 I-37, Corpus Christi, Texas 78410, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Military honors will be rendered in recognition of her faithful service to the nation.

Pallbearers will include, Jeffrey Hawkins, Bo Vickers, Noel Covey, Terry Stice, Justin McArthur, and Cody Stice

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Laura’s memory to The Rainbow Room https://rainbowroomcc.org/

Laura’s legacy of courage, service, faith, and love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.