Shirley Jean Hawkins

Posted on Dec 16, 2016 Topic :

Shirley Jean Hawkins - Wife of Harvest House Founder

1926 - 2016

Born in Peoria, Illinois, Shirley Jean Curtis grew up in north-central Washington where she could be found picking apples in the Wenatchee Valley. After studying voice at Gonzaga, where she became the lone female soloist among 48 men in the university’s traveling Glee Club, she went on to appear on such programs as The Bing Crosby Show and in such places as the San Francisco Opera House. Her future in the entertainment industry seemed promising, but deep in her heart she was longing to fulfill a greater purpose in her life.

It was in 1949, while singing at an evangelistic meeting, that Shirley’s life and plans completely changed. She surrendered her talents to Christ, which opened the door to sharing her stellar mezzo soprano voice in churches and choirs wherever she had opportunity.

In the early 1950s, Shirley moved to Minneapolis as one of the first five employees of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. There she met her beloved husband, RH (Bob) Hawkins, going on to support his notable career for more than half a century in the heyday of Christian bookselling and publishing.

Shirley so loved her husband and family. Married to Bob for more than 56 years, she was the consummate servant and source of stability for her husband and children, whom she cared for with fervent prayer and a huge heart. Though she will be missed for her many talents and giving spirit, it is the legacy of her love for Jesus and others that impacted her family and friends the most.