Jacqueline “Jackie” Dell Hawkins Southerland 

Jackie Southerland, age 89, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. With hearts full of both sorrow and gratitude, we celebrate the life of a beloved wife, mother, granny, sister, and friend whose love and strength shaped generations. 

Born on August 30, 1936, in Rocky Mount, Jackie was the cherished daughter of the late John Ervin Hawkins, Sr. and Eunice Dell Wood Hawkins. She was known for her unwavering faith, kind heart, quick wit, and deep devotion to those she loved. Jackie carried herself with remarkable grace and resilience throughout her life, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. 

Jackie built a life rooted in love, family, and faith. She was a devoted wife, a loving daughter, sister, sister-in-law and aunt, a proud Mother and an adoring Granny. Her home was a place of warmth and comfort, often filled with meals lovingly prepared for those gathered around her table. She found joy in the simple and meaningful moments of life, cheering on Nascar races and UNC Tarheels, traveling throughout the Caribbean, enjoying casino trips, visiting Atlantic Beach and watching the squirrels in her yard, all affectionately named “Fred.” She had a tender heart for animals, especially her treasured cat, Mick, who she loved dearly. She worked for Carolina Telephone as an Information Systems Supervisor for over 36 years and operated Big Jim’s Food Marts and Big Jim’s Express, alongside her husband, Jim. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, James “Jim” Southerland Jr; her children, James “Tim” Smith (Darlene) of Rocky Mount and James “Jamie” Southerland III of Tarboro; her grandchildren, Heather Perry (Ronnie) of Middlesex, Hannah Smith (Keith) of Raleigh, and JT Smith of Raleigh; her siblings, John Ervin “J.E.” Hawkins Jr., Kathy Manning (Tim), and Bruce Hawkins; and her sister-in-law Eva Jan Hoffman whom she considered a sister, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and dear friends. 

She was preceded in death by her son, William Ervin Smith; her sisters, Annie Lou Hawkins Hollowell, Nancy Hawkins Gullie, Violet Page Hawkins Gupton and her beloved cat Mick. 

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Jackie’s home health caregiver Marsha Hornbuckle, the ICU staff at ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital, and the loving community of Sunset Church of God for the compassion, care, and support shown during this time. 

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 16, at 6:00 p.m. at Carlisle Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 17, at 2:00 p.m., at Carlisle Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Pastor Jody Harrison. Burial will immediately follow at Edgecombe Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 1108 Vance Drive, Tarboro. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Sunset Church of God, 1709 Anaconda Rd, Tarboro, NC 27886.

The family asks that Jackie be remembered not with sadness, but with the warmth, laughter, strength, and unconditional love she so generously shared throughout her beautiful life. 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" - 2 Timothy 4:7