Emma Denise ("Neci") Hawkins was born on February 13, 1955, in Florence, Alabama to the late Ruby Mae Hawkins and Jimmie "Pluney" Hawkins. She was one of nine siblings. Neci earned her wings and received her crown on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

Neci moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan when she was ten years old and spent most of her life here, always considering it her "hometown." She spent the last ten years living in Florida with her daughter, son-in-law, and their four children, before recently relocating back to Michigan.

Neci received her education at Ypsilanti Public Schools, where she was a great student, member of the cheerleading team, and also a member of the Homecoming Court, before graduating in 1973. She was employed at Ford Motor Company and spent over 30 years there until her retirement.

She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was an active member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church during adulthood, where she served on the nurse's guild. She enjoyed shopping, traveling, and caring for people, particularly children. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her family, especially during celebrations and holidays, where she always made sure there was more than enough food and love to go around. Neci helped raise several of her nieces and nephews, and she raised them as her own. She never met a stranger and welcomed everyone with open arms, lighting up the room with her radiant smile.

Neci was a devoted, loving mother to her three wonderful children: Natasha (Craig) Maynard, Derrick Copeland, and Skye (Jeffery) Roberts. She leaves behind a legacy to her three children, along with her seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, father Jimmie Hawkins, eight siblings Jimmy Earl "Jimearl", Junel, Kenneth, Vivian "Reci", Linda "Toot, Gwendolyn, Tiffany and Jeremy "Flub", her best friend (cousin) Mollie Newton, and a host of godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother Ruby Mae Hawkins, her grandparents Emma Shepard, Jimmy and Essie Mae Edwards, and two nephews, Lontonio Issac and Da'Jon Ryans.

A funeral service will be held 11 am Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Christian Love Fellowship Ministries International (1601 Stamford Road, Ypsilanti). Family hour will begin at 10 am.