Mrs. Janell French

August 29, 1950 - January 11, 2021

HAWKINS-FRENCH, Janell, age 70, and a life-long resident of Palestine, AR passed away January 11th, 2021. Janell is preceded in death by her parents; Alberta and Roy W. Johnson; her brother, Roy Gene Johnson; and great-grand son Kaiden Gadsden. She is survived by her siblings; Ruthie Kidd, Evester Roper, Cleadester Oates, Berthola Penix, Hester Lucas, Charles Johnson, Phillip Johnson, children; Todd Hawkins, Terrie Hawkins, Wilbert Hawkins Jr., Randy Hawkins, Priscilla Johnson, and Nathaniel Hardiman, 17 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, close family and friends. Janell was born on August 29, 1950. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She received her Bachelor of Science from Arkansas State University in Criminology and Sociology. Janell enjoyed her days of employment with Sanyo Industries, Greyhound Bus Lines, East Arkansas Community College, and as a paraprofessional educator with multiple school districts. She was a proud member of Williams Temple Church of God in Christ where she was an active member. She used her talents to minster in the music department by playing the organ and singing with the choir. Janell was a devoted, loving mother whose talents were many. She was a musician, master seamstress, a quilt maker, and a photographer. She loved to build things with her hands, a crafter, collector of antiques, she loved to garden, and travel to visit her family. Janell had a passion for people, and she spent majority of her life serving her community, her church and as a foster mother to many foster children. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Janell Hawkins- French's name be directed to St. Francis County Food Pantry at 126 S. Water St. in Forrest City, AR 72335 For any other act of kindness, please contact the family at 501-436-8676. The family will invite friends to a Celebration of Life later in 2021 when conditions are safe to accommodate such.