Joyce "Cookie" Hawsey, a beloved matriarch and pillar of her community, departed this life on July 27, 2025, in Beaumont, Texas, at the age of 89. Born on September 6, 1935, in Port Arthur, Texas, she was the daughter of Shelby Bennett Gee, Sr. and Loraine Gee.
A proud graduate holding a Master's Degree in Business from Sam Houston University, Cookie dedicated her professional life to Chevron Phillips, where she served with distinction as Purchasing Director before her well-earned retirement. Her work ethic and dedication reflected her character—a strong-willed individual who left an indelible mark in her field.
Cookie was not just defined by her career; she was a vibrant personality who twirled with the Red Hussars at Thomas Jefferson High School and was a devoted member of The Temple, exemplifying her strong Christian faith throughout her life. Known for her deep love of animals and the joy she found in antiquing and visiting casinos, her passions enriched both her life and the lives of those around her.
Above all, Cookie cherished the time spent with her family. She was a loving grandmother to CJ Howton, Jr. and his wife, Hanna, Wyatt Hawsey, Rachel Jones, and Jordan Jones, as well as a proud great-grandmother to Dani Elizabeth Howton. Her warmth and love will resonate forever in their hearts. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Warren Jones of Manvel, Texas, and daughter-in-law, Melissa Hawsey of Port Neches.
Cookie's heart held a profound connection to her deceased family members, including her cherished husband, Joe Douglas Hawsey; her beloved children, Michael Hawsey and Jodee Jones; and her brothers, James Madison "Jimmy" Gee and Shelby Bennett Gee, Jr. The essence of her marriage with Joe served as a testament to true love, a beacon for her family to aspire to.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate her remarkable life through visitation on August 1, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, with a funeral service at 2:00 PM, at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, 5601 39th St, Groves, Texas 77619, followed by interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves, Texas.
Joyce "Cookie" Hawsey's spirit will live on in the laughter of her grandchildren and the memories shared among family and friends, a guiding light that will inspire them to hold fast to faith, love, and the joys of life she so passionately embraced.