Sylethia Ann Hawkins

“Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate” Proverb 31:31 On Thursday, August 5, 2021, God in his perfect wisdom called the Matriarch of our family, Pastor Emeritus Sylethia Ann Hawkins, from a life of labor to her eternal reward. Pastor Sylethia was born in Warwick County, Virginia on August 25,1936 to the late Royal and Lottie Carter. She is the eldest of six children. She received her early education in the Warwick County School system. In 1954, Sylethia met and married the late George Moore Jr. She was blessed as a young woman to travel the country, meet and see many people and places. She was known for being adventurous riding motorcycles and being the life of the party. It was 1975 in Delaware that she met and received Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. Upon receiving a “New Life with a New Spirit” she surrendered to the words of the Apostle Paul “Forgetting what is behind and striving toward what is ahead, I press toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14. With this in mind, Sylethia pressed her way on a new journey, touching lives through encouraging, witnessing, evangelizing, and women’s ministries. While working faithfully for the Kingdom she caught the eye of her Boaz, Alexander Hawkins. In 1983 the two became one in Holy Matrimony. God elevated their love as well as their work in the ministry. The two served faithfully for many years at Cathedral of Life UHCOL under the leadership of Bishop William Blackwell Sr. The two would later be called and ordained as Elders in United Holiness Church of Life. In February 2000 she co-founded New Life Worship Center in Suffolk, Va. (Later relocated in Newport News, Va.) Co-Pastor Sylethia continued her work with Apostle Alexander Hawkins until his death in September 2009. She would continue to pastor for many years until her health would no longer allow. Under the leadership of “Team Hawkins” the word of God was shared throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. The church’s outreach fed and clothed many individuals that were in need and birthed and ordained six elders into the ministry. Pastor Sylethia was a true giver not only to New Life Worship Center but to so many smaller ministries that were striving in Kingdom work. She will definitely be missed by many. Pastor Sylethia was an inspiration to both young and old. She retired with over twenty-two years of service to the Va. Foster Care Program. Her guidance helped to set so many young people on a solid foundation in life. In 2008, she finished her goal to” Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed” At the age of 70 she received her Doctor of Theology from Deeper Life School of Theology, Beacon University. Pastor Sylethia was predeceased by a loving husband, sister, brother and two grandchildren. She leaves to love and cherish her memory six children: Pamela Grant (Sherman) of Newport News Va., George Moore of Hampton Va., Jerome Moore (Valerie) of Meridian CT., Trudy Barksdale of Prince George County, Va., Traci Moore(Roland) and Isaac Hawkins of Smithfield Va., Spiritual Daughter, Claudette McGhee (James) of Ivor Va., Two brothers, Earnest Wright of Newport News Va. and Edwin Carter of Yorktown, Va., Two Sisters, Helen Richeson (Carlyle) of Yorktown, Va. and Ada White of Hampton Va., One brother in law Samuel Hawkins (Gwendolyn) of Hampton Va., Two sisters in laws Alice Daniels of Hampton Va. and Lucy Barrow of San Diego, Ca. 15 Grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephew, cousins and friends. Viewing will take place Friday, August 13, 2021, at Shivers Funeral Chapel, Smithfield Va. from 4p.m – 6 p.m. and Saturday, August 14, 2021, 2 hours prior to service. Homegoing Celebration will be held Saturday August 14, 2021 at 12 p.m. at World Victory Church 5900 Jefferson Ave Newport News Va. 23607. The family request ministers to wear clergy attire. View Memorial Tribute