If there’s a thread running through Dorothy Hawkins’ life it’s food. For almost three decades she cooked at Fishermen’s Community Hospital and then moved over to become a bus driver for the Monroe County School District. At 71, she’s a stalwart of Marathon, mothering the upcoming generations with the support she once received from the matriarchs of the Marathon community.
She’s retired now, and stays home most days because of the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean she’s idle. She goes to the store and home and, when it gets too boring for words, she’ll hop in her car and drive down to the 7 Mile Bridge and back.
How long have you lived in Marathon? We moved here in 1953. Back then you could play ball on the highway. There was a car that came by every now and then and we had to move to the side.
Do you have siblings? I’m the oldest of six. My mom died when I was 12 so I helped to raise my little brothers and sisters.
Do you have children and grandchildren? My sons Stacy and Josh live near Ocala. My daughter Ann lives in Marathon and works with Dr. Woltz. I have six grandchildren.
Is being a grandmother as great as they say? Oh sure, my kids bring ’em over and then when I’m ready I can send ’em off!
What was your favorite job? Definitely cooking at the hospital. I got close to the patients and I would go visit with them. I wasn’t supposed to, but I did anyway because everyone needs comfort.
What do you like to cook? Oh, anything — collard greens, okra, peas, beans, cabbage, mac and cheese, oxtail soup, pork chops …
(At this point, her daughter Ann interjects: “She can make a meal out of anything, and not just any meal, something delicious. I don’t know how she does it.”)
What’s your secret talent? Singing. I used to sing in the A.M.E. choir. My favorite hymn is “Yes, God is real.”
What’s your favorite book? The Bible, of course.
What are some of your favorite memories of Marathon? Taking my kids fishing across the street. I’d bring my chair and would tell the kids not to let each other fall in. One time Ann got wrapped in the fishing line.
What’s something you don’t like? Snakes! If I find one, I go in the opposite direction and don’t come back until someone else deals with it. I have a recipe with Snake-A-Way and mothballs that I sprinkle around the yard.
What’s your “at home” look? Scrubs.
Who was one of your mentors? After my mom died, it was the late Cora Picton. I would get in big trouble with her if she caught me shooting marbles with the boys. I was always looking over my shoulder to see if she was coming.
What’s your favorite thing? My birthday!
