Rev. Colonel L. Hobbs, Jr. (right) was presented a book and burgundy scroll. He’s shown here with his wife, retired Nottoway educator Jean Smith Hobbs.
The Mack & Margaret Hawkes Family Reunion was held the weekend of August 1st- 3rd in Richmond with 175 family members in attendance on Saturday and Sunday.
Family members enjoyed activities on Saturday, August 2nd at Deer Run Park in Henrico. Relatives traveled from North Carolina, Texas, Baltimore, Richmond, Petersburg and surrounding cities as well as Blackstone.
A good time was had with a catered picnic, games for children & adults, dancing (“Hawkes on the Ground”), and so much more! On Saturday night, family members traveled back to the Marriott Hotel in Short Pump, where more activities were enjoyed.
The reunion ended Sunday, August 3rd with fellowship and church service at Providence Baptist Church in Richmond. Dinner was served and a program followed to share all the updates of the families.
A very heart-warming event occurred when the family honored the two oldest living great-grandchildren of Mack and Margaret Hawkes. They are both natives of Blackstone — Kenneth Johnson (84-yearsyoung), grandson of Dolphus Hawkes (sibling of Mack & Margaret); and Jean Hobbs Dobbins (83-years-young), granddaughter of Travis Hobbs (sibling of Mack & Margaret Hawkes).
TWO OLDEST ATTENDEES RECOGNIZED Kenneth Johnson (above), age 84; and Jean Hobbs Dobbins (below), age 83)
The family also honored Rev. Colonel L. Hobbs, Jr., grandson of Travis Hobbs. He was honored for being the stronghold of the family who is always there for guidance, upholding God’s word in the lives of our family and never being judgmental in life’s struggles. He’s currently Pastor of Mt. Bethel Baptist Church in Kenbridge, and will be celebrating his 30th anniversary as its pastor in 2026.
Rev. Hobbs’ wife is Jean Smith Hobbs, a retired teacher from Nottoway High School and who has always supported him. He was given a burgundy scroll, embroidered with his name on one side and HFR (Hawkes Family Reunion) on the other side. He was then presented with a book entitled, Our Story. Rev. Hobbs has always shown pride in his family, and this book not only supports this but also his favorite saying, “This Is My Family!”
Also recognized, although unable to attend, was the oldest living member of Mack & Margaret
Hawkes’ family — Alice Hawkes, 94, widow of the late Adolphus Hawkes (son of Dolphus Hawkes). She’s lived on Poplar Lawn Road, Blackstone, for more than 60 years. In her absence, a bouquet of flowers will be presented to her.
Hawkes Family reunions always end with their singing of the family song, “Hawkes Christian Soldiers.” Loved ones say their family continues to grow, and “we know we have come this far by Faith!”
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