Ouida Hartman Hawkins, 83, born June 19, 1932, left peacefully on June 7, 2016.
Ouida received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from George Peabody College for Teachers (1953, Nashville, TN) and she enjoyed a career as an elementary school teacher for many years. In 1979, she acquired a Master’s Degree in Psychology and Addiction from The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH). Residing in Tampa since 1980, Ouida retired after 25 years from the DUI Counterattack School as an Intake Evaluator and Instructor.
Considered by many, especially herself, Ouida was the Queen of Everything, an avid Bridge player, NASCAR and Tampa Bay Rays fan. She was a friend of Bill W., and worked a diligent Program to continue his legacy for over 45 years.
She was preceded in death by parents William James and Maye Campbell Hartman of Gates, TN; loving husband of 58 years Ralph, and brothers William Harold, Leon (Gates, TN) and Donald (Columbus, MS). She is survived by son Alan (Denise), Marietta, GA; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren; and daughter Julie (Evelyn), Tampa, FL.
A memorial service will be held at The Franciscan Center, 3010 N. Perry Ave., Tampa, Florida 33603, at 11:00 a.m. on July 9, officiated by Sr. Cathy Cahill. A modest graveside service will be held at Florida National Cemetery on Thursday, July 7 at 10:30am. Her ashes will join those of her husband at the cemetery.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Arden Courts of Tampa who worked tirelessly to continue spoiling Ouida as she was accustomed. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Franciscan Center and/or LifePath Hospice of Tampa. Please go to www.veteransfuneralcare.com and sign her guestbook.
As we remember a wonderfully made woman, we send our love and heartfelt sympathy. We will (have) missed your mom as we have your dear father. Stuart & Sandy Bailey, Stu’s Cut, Inc., Tampa, Florida
She was my favorite and most colorful Aunt! What a wonderful woman. I am glad she is at peace but she will be greatly missed. Love to Julie and Alan and I am praying for you and your family.
Julie-What a beautiful tribute to your mom. We were honored to take care of her. She lived an amazing life! Taylor
Thank you everyone for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. It’s been a long three years since dad died. But Mom was in the best of care especially the last year of her life. Arden Courts of Tampa Alzheimer’s Assisted Living took excellent care of Mom during the past year and LifePath Hospice was there during the last couple weeks of her life. Although I am exhausted, I know that the upcoming memorial service will pay a fitting tribute to this dynamic individual.
Julie,
I am thinking of you on the eve of your mother’s service. You have done so much to care for her in life, and now you continue to care for her in death. I know it has not been easy. We are lucky we have had so many years with our parents! Thank you for taking the time to let me know of your mom’s passing. You are a wonderful daughter, and I am proud to call you friend.
Love, Linda
We are thinking of you! Fond memories of Ouida, we are glad we were able to visit and reconnect in recent years. She accomplished so much and touched countless lives! May Peace be in your hearts!