Mary Hawthorne

Mary Julia Nicholson Hawthorne, 95, passed away peacefully of natural causes Friday, October 11, 2024 at Budd Terrace Nursing Home in Decatur, GA.

Mary led a very active life as a full-time homemaker and raised three sons. She was an avid golfer loved to socialize, play cards and garden. She was a wonderful Grandmother and was just informed she would soon be a great-grandmother for the second time.

Mary lived in Lawrenceville and Decatur (GA) for the past 28 years. Prior to her time in Metro Atlanta, she and her husband, "Babe" lived in Saybrook, IL, Bloomington, IL, Peoria, IL, and Montgomery AL.

Mary Julia Nicholson was born June 18, 1929 to Roy and Pearl Nicholson of Phenix City, AL. She spent her childhood and young adult life there until meeting her husband, Lester "Babe" Hawthorne, while he was stationed at Ft. Benning. They married on August 30, 1958.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years "Babe"; his parents; her parents; a sister, Jeanette; and a granddaughter, Zara Yee Hawthorne.

Surviving offspring include sons Wayne (Edyie) Hawthorne of Kennesaw, GA, David (Widney) Hawthorne of San Diego, CA; and Jeff Hawthorne of Decatur, GA.

Additional family include grandson Trevor Hawthorne, granddaughters Amanda (Jason) Penharlow, Sheila Baker, and Angela Solomon. Great-grandsons Christopher Solomon, Patrick Solomon, and great-great grandson Arthas Solomon. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Surviving siblings are Betty Corbo of Las Vegas, NV, Kenneth (Deborah) Nicholson of Waverly Hall, GA, and Jeraldine Kite of Smiths Station, AL.

Mary will be interned beside her husband at East Lawn Memorial Garden in Bloomington, IL.

In lieu of funeral services, a Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends Sunday, October 20th from 1 to 4 pm at the Lake House at Avondale, 59 Lakeshore Drive, Avondale Estates, GA 30002. Online information is available at thelakehouseatavondale.com. Suggested dress code is dressy casual.

Please consider making a donation to Trees Atlanta at treesatlanta.org in lieu of flowers