Margaret Bernice Hawthorn Bewley

Margaret Bernice Hawthorn Bewley, age 91, of Hot Springs, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, March 11, 2021.

She was born on August 15, 1929, in Hot Springs, the daughter of Guy Elmer Hawthorn and Ella Mae Layne Hawthorn. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marvin Bewley; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Elmer and Irene Hawthorn, Glenn and Bea Hawthorn, Don and Beatrice Hawthorn and Richard and Mary Hawthorn; her sisters and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Myron Kelley, Pansy Hawthorn, Nina Langley, Ruby Swanigan; brother-in-law Odell Trout; sisters-in-law Hazel Hawthorn, Lillie Hawthorn and Nancy Hawthorn.

She spent her life being completely devoted to her family, especially her mother and father, whom she was a personal caregiver for most of her life. She treasured her siblings and embraced every moment with them. Her most special role was “Aunt Bernice” to all her nieces and nephews and any other children that happen to be around. Although she never had children of her own, she was like a mother to many and was known for the thousands of wonderful meals she cooked for the herds of family and friends that where constantly around the house. She had lots of friends throughout her life, but two of her closest where Katherine Cook and her beloved sister-in-law, Mary Hawthorn. Shortly after graduating high school at the age of 16, she went on to business college so she could help keep the books for the family business. Bernice worked for over 60 years as a bookkeeper and meat wrapper for G. E. Hawthorn Meat Company. She was always active in her church, and was an amazing Christian role model. First attending Second Baptist Church in Hot Springs, where 25 of those years, she worked in the children’s church and nursery with her good friend Francelle Ledford. Later she was a member of Connect Church in Russellville where her and Marvin were very active in their church and community. Though no longer with us, she will always be remembered with honor, respect and the great love which was shown with everything she touched. Few on earth have sacrificed more for their loved ones and our lives will be forever altered with the loss of this beautiful angel. We are so thankful for the compassion and kindness shown to Bernice by her many caregivers, especially Kyla Cox and Dorothy Beryahi.

She is survived by one sister, Grace (Clifton) Koller of Texarkana, Arkansas; five brothers, Doyle Hawthorn of Hot Springs, Dan (Joyce) Hawthorn of Lowell, J.D. (Charlene) Hawthorn of Bentonville, Grady Hawthorn of Sims and Gilbert (Beverly) Hawthorn of Manning; two brothers-in-law, James Langley of Granbury, Texas and Richard Swanigan of Conway; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, March 16, 2021, in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home Chapel, Hot Springs, with Bro. Doyle Hawthorn and Bro. Gilbert Hawthorn officiating.

Visitation will be held Monday evening from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, at the funeral home.

Interment will be held at 3:00 PM in the Shiloh Cemetery in Atkins.

Pallbearers will be Ethan Sutton, Eli Rowton, Jonathan Hawthorn, Kord Dwello, Zach Talley and Nathan Sanders.

Honorary pallbearers will be Timothy Hawthorn, Jared Hawthorn, Justin Hawthorn, Carl Hawthorn and Mike Hawthorn.

A live stream will be available at the following link.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85177104765?pwd=cDB1bjE4bS82UXVVdGIyb29iQVE1UT09

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs.

Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.