Donna Faye Hawkins was born on March 17, 1958 in Oklahoma City, OK to Don Wilson Hawkins and Rita Faye (Latham) Hawkins. She was the second child born to this union, the only girl, and would be one of seven children in this blended family.
Sadly, Donna lost her father to leukemia when she was just fifteen. After his death Donna dropped out of high school to help her mom make ends meet. While working one of their jobs, cleaning office buildings in Oklahoma City, Donna met Jim Akin, in 1975 the two were married. Together Donna and Jim had two children: Jennifer Michelle (1976) and Steffanie Lynne (1980). The couple split in 1980, after 4 ½ years together.
In 1983 Donna relocated to the Yuma, Colorado area, to be closer to her brother Rusty Bolin. Donna was a social butterfly, never knowing a stranger, meeting and making friends, while she worked at the Yuma Tavern in Yuma, CO and the Indian Station in Otis, CO. Shortly after moving to the Yuma area, Donna’s brother introduced her to one of his good friends, Marty Brophy. Marty and Donna hit it off and were married soon thereafter. Marty and Donna welcomed two children; Jessica Mae (1985) and Michael James (1987). Donna, coming from the city, learned many things while living on the farm. The couple split in 1993, ending their 10 year marriage.
Donna was a free spirit, a nomad of sorts. She liked to pick up and move at a moments notice, living for the adventure. With this lifestyle, Donna had several different careers; spanning from grocery store worker to collection agent to installing drywall. Donna was known for her southern cooking, particularly her ever famous fried chicken and mashed potatoes and her macaroni pea salad. Donna loved the outdoors and lived at the lake whenever she could. For those that knew Donna, you knew she was an avid Denver Broncos Fan, loving to watch and go to the games with her family and friends.
In 2013, Donna Faye and her mother Rita Faye decided to relocate from Seiling, OK to Otis, CO. Northeastern Colorado was always where Donna called home. It also brought Donna closer to some of her children and grandchildren that still live in the area. Donna took care of her mother until her passing in 2019.
In 2021, Donna was diagnosed with a rare lung disease. Donna remained positive through this, handling this journey with absolute grace. She said she would give that disease the fight of her life and that she did. Donna passed away on September 20, 2022 at the age of 64 with her children by her side. Donna said she wanted to be remembered for living every moment of life to the fullest. She thought the saying that described her life was that life is a journey and the goal was not to arrive at the grave in perfect condition, but rather to go skidding and sliding in sideways, enjoying the ride.
Donna is preceded in death by her parents Don Wilson Hawkins, Sr. and Rita Faye Goldston; her stepfather Ronald Jay Goldston, her brothers Rusty Bolin and Don Wilson Hawkins, Jr.
Donna is survived by her four children; Daughter Jennifer Scheopner (Ken) of Otis, CO., Daughter Steffanie Cross (Sam) of Oklahoma City, Daughter Jessica Brophy of Yuma, CO and son Michael Brophy of Yuma, CO. She is also survived by her six grandchildren; Dawson Brandon and Megan Brandon of Otis, CO and Tessa, Samuel, Seth and Stacie Cross of Oklahoma City.
Donna is survived by her brothers and sisters; Gary (Arlene) of Washington, Kenny Hawkins, Ronald Goldston, Jr. (Teri), Jesse Goldston, Sister, Ronna Goldston of Oklahoma. Several Aunts, Uncles and Cousins: Jeanie Barbee, Gayla Weldon, Courtney Wyrick, Patricia Brown, Donna Carol and Carla Ann.
Donna is also survived by her lifelong best friends; Terry Poulter of Seminole, Ok, Peggy Hynson of Otis, CO, Kay Cox of Loveland, CO and Lynne Babbit of Oklahoma.
A Rosary will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church in Yuma, CO on Friday September 30th at 6 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at the Eckley Bar and Grill on Saturday October 1, 2022, beginning at 4 p.m.
2022-09-30