Dr. Maria Antoinette Williams-Hawkins

Dr. Maria Williams-Hawkins was born on December 25, 1952, in Memphis, TN to Dr. Herman Henning and Zanette Williams. She departed this life on May 21, 2025.
She was an accomplished academician receiving her PhD from Ohio State University, and Master of Arts from Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, MO. Dr. Williams-Hawkins lived and spent the last 31 years developing and providing opportunities for Telecommunications students at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. She was integral in the development of International Studies programs for Ball State, as she taught internationally in both China and Kenya. Dr. Maria, as she was called by students, only retired a few days prior to undergoing her final brain surgery. Prior to her time at Ball State University she taught in the Radio-Television-Film department at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX for many years.
Dr. Maria was tireless in her pursuit of service to the Lord God, striving for excellence in education for her students, and faithful to her family and many friends. Dr. Maria had a rich legacy within the AME Church. She served Bethel AME, Muncie for 31 years as an ordained minister. Dr. Maria also served in many volunteer and service organizations including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Salvation Army, BSU Black Faculty, BSU National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and a host of many more.
Dr. Maria Williams-Hawkins was preceded in death by her parents Dr. Herman Henning and Zanette Williams, and brother, Ennis Williams.

Dr. Maria Williams-Hawkins leaves to cherish her memory husband Darrayal Hawkins; sons Darrayal Hawkins, Jr. (Ernie), and Daniel Hawkins (Amy); her goddaughter, Danielle Jernigan; grandchildren, Karmin, Nathen, Cameron, Donnyale, De’Vontay, Mayan, Daniel Jr., Keagan, De’Onna & Au’Lise; beloved Aunt, Lois Yarbrough; a host of siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and close friends.

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, May 31st at the First Presbyterian Church, 1400 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie, IN. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Omega Omega Service (open to the public) begins at 10:30 a.m.; followed by calling at 11:30 a.m. and the Celebration of Life at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to Motivate Our Minds, Inc., Ball State NABJ Chapter, and Ball State Black Alumni Council. The Dr. Maria Williams-Hawkins Scholarship is forthcoming.