DOROTHY B. DAVIS - DESSIE M. HAWKINS Educational Scholarship
DOROTHY B. DAVIS
1915 - 1987
Long before it was fashionable for whites to be publicly concerned about civil rights, housing opportunities for minorities, and similar issues, Dorothy B. Davis was speaking and working for justice. She preceded the waves of reform, often telling people things they would rather not have known about. It took courage. In her gentle but persistent way, she found men and women who were hurting and did her best to alleviate the problems. Sometimes this caused her to take the larger view and go after the “system,” often represented by recalcitrant government agencies. Sometimes this caused her to minister to individuals in need.
Dorothy Davis was one of those rare people who was not discouraged by temporary setbacks. Her strong faith helped her to keep an eternal perspective about issues, and that helped her to stay for the long haul. Her many years of service to the League of Women Voters, the Kansas City Human Relations Commission, Church Women United, and Heartland Presbytery served as a model for many others who came after her. Kansas City today is a better, more civilized and humane place to live because Mrs. Davis was moved to share her time and talents for others.
DESSIE M. HAWKINS
1930-1997
God, Church, Family and Education. These were the hallmarks that defined the life of Dessie M. Hawkins. Dessie understood the value of education. At an early age began saving for her post high school education. Her commitment to education never wavered. At a time when she was married, the mother of two children, employed full time and an active church member, Mrs. Hawkins still continued her education at UMKC.
Employed by the Kansas City School District for 30 years, Mrs. Hawkins loved the art of teaching and served the district and PTA in various roles. Ever active in her church and community, Mrs. Hawkins was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church where she served on the Deacon Board, the Memorial and Endowment Committees and taught Sunday School. She was a member of Church Women United, Presbyterian Women and Circle #2. The values exemplified by Mrs. Hawkins have been a model for the many youth whose lives she touched.