Obituary of Sharon Arlene Hawkins

ROCHESTER, NY – March 2 , 2025 Sharon Arlene Robinson-Hawkins affectionately known as “Shay-Shay”, was born on July 14, 1950 in Rochester, NY to the late Ruby M. Robinson and John “Beans” Young. She grew up with her siblings, Jerome “Chop” and Janet, in affectionate and supportive surroundings. They lived in the Hanover Houses (building #2) from 1952 until 1969. This neighborhood, lovingly known as “The Projects”, is where she formed many lifelong friendships. She attended Andrews Elementary School #9 on Joseph Ave. through 5th grade, then #26 School on Baron St and graduated with honors from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1968. At 12, Sharon was baptized by her uncle, the late Rev. Murphy “Pops” Greer, after accepting the Lord as her savior. She joined the Aenon Missionary Baptist Church, where she sang in the Junior choir and participated in the Girl Scouts of Genesee Valley. Sharon always had a passion for music. As a child, she was a member of the Alpine Girls Drum and Bugle Corp under the leadership of Mr. Bruno. She exercised her talent by taking piano lessons at The Hochstein School of Music. As an adult, her preferred style of music was Motown hits and gospel. She met Raymond Hawkins in 1967, and they married on June 2, 1969. Though she had no biological children, Sharon was very supportive and involved in the lives of her nephews Shaun and Charles, and niece Nikki, which brought her great joy, along with caring for her pets. Shay Shay developed a strong work ethic early on, holding various jobs at Model City, Seabreeze, Catholic Charities, Democrat & Chronicle, Association for Battered Women, Action For a Better Community, and the City of Rochester 911 Center. She earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Monroe Community College, a Phlebotomy certification from Rochester General School in 1999, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services in 2007 from Empire State College. Sharon discovered her passion for serving others, particularly individuals with special needs. Throughout her career, she held various positions within the State of New York, including at DePaul Mental Health and St. Joseph’s Villa. She retired in 2012 from the Finger Lakes Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, where she served as a Direct Care Aide. She continued to work with Person Centered Services as a case manager until her untimely death. In her leisure time, Sharon enjoyed traveling, particularly on cruises, shopping both online and in-store, listening to music, especially Motown, eating a good meal and spending quality time with her family and friends. Throughout her life, she was actively involved in her community and church. She served in roles such as President and Secretary of Sisters for a Better Black Community being an active member for over a decade. At Aenon Missionary Baptist Church, she contributed to several ministries, including Sr. Mission (Recording Secretary, Vice President), Jr. Mission Supervisor, and Youth Department Supervisor. Additionally, she was the Financial Secretary for the Great Lakes Baptist Association Women’s Dept and the Classification Secretary for the Rev James L. Cherry Sr. Christian Leadership School. Sharon demonstrated remarkable resilience. She successfully overcame illness on two occasions, but this time it was determined that she would return to her eternal home. As stated in Matthew 25:23, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord." Sharon has now reunited with; her beloved husband, Raymond Hawkins; her mother, Ruby M. Robinson; her father, John “Beans” Young; her brother, Jerome Robinson, and her sister, Patricia Velma Young. Sharon’s bright smile and kind spirit will be dearly missed. She is survived by; her sister, Janet Robinson; nephew, Shaun (Alicia) Robinson; niece, Nikki (Clark) Robinson, all of Rochester, NY; aunt, Almeda Stanfield of Sacramento, CA; godson, Princeton Williams; 2 god-grandsons, Khyri and Prince, and god-granddaughter, Kennedy, all of Rochester; in-laws, the Hawkins Family of Lakeland, FL; fur babies, Sophia and Sable; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends from various parts of her life including the Hanover Family, community, work, and church. Friends may call Thursday, March 13 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Aenon Missionary Baptist Church, 175 Genesee Street, Rochester, NY. The Funeral Service to Celebrate his life will immediately follow at 12:00 Noon with Bishop Johnathan H. McReynolds, officiating. Entombment Riverside Cemetery, Rochester, NY.