Caring for Mom and Baby after Heartbreaking Loss

Calvin Lamar Hawkins, 38-year-old loving husband of Maria and proud father of one-year old Marcus, passed from this world into the arms of Jesus on May 16th, 2023. Calvin bravely endured two open-heart surgeries over the past three weeks. From the blood transfusions, he developed extremely rare, serious bleeding complications that ultimately took his life. His wife, Maria, stayed by his side day and night in the hospital, providing love, care and encouragement to him as he fought hard to survive.

Calvin will be remembered as a strong and gentle deep thinker, smart and creative. He was an exceptional student, played baritone saxophone in jazz band, and he loved artistic creations whether drawing cartoon characters or metal art casting with a welding torch at Sloss Furnaces. As a storyteller, he could spin a hilarious yarn. He became a marvelous cook in Birmingham, Alabama, at restaurants of all types where coworkers always loved his laugh and sense of humor. In his neighborhood, he helped create a family-like culture where he beautified the neighborhood with plants and flowers and shared loads of good food at Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, and other occasions. Effortlessly, with cooking spoon in hand and no recipes, he loved to make people happy with his food. He was dedicated to caring for his family, whether by cooking, grocery shopping, or as their little family’s primary breadwinner at US Foods.

After 1 ½ years of marriage, Calvin and Maria were thankful to be blessed with baby Marcus, who he lovingly called “Son”. Marcus only knew his Daddy for one year.

As part of Maria and Marcus’ extended family that loves them very much, we recognize that there will be difficult, unpredicted changes for them. Maria is suddenly a single mom, currently without a full-time job, having lost her main source of family income, and needing to care for her baby. As they process this tragic loss, and navigate the journey ahead, we ask for prayers and financial support. The funds will provide for high medical bills, and funeral costs in the loss of their dear Calvin.

Thank you for considering a gift to support Maria and Marcus during this extremely difficult time. If you are so inclined, please share this GoFundMe post on your social media page. Thank you for caring.