Stefpon Antonio Hawkins, better known as “Pokie,” was born January 9, 1975, to the late Lonnie Hawkins and Annie Hawkins-Ivey.

Stefpon transitioned from this earthly realm on September 19, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, service, dedication and love, along with lots of hugs and juicy kisses.

He was baptized on March 23, 1991, by the Reverend J. T. “Billy” Simon at Greater Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church.

His places of employment included Pilgrim’s Pride in Live Oak, Florida, where he was a team leader; Savannah Technical College, where he worked as a security guard; White Foundation in Lake City, Florida, where he served as a counselor; and ESI Steel Services in Jasper, Florida.

EDUCATION AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

He attended Hamilton and Suwannee County Schools and graduated from Suwannee High School on June 4, 1994.

Stefpon later attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, earning a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice on August 14, 2000, while making his mark as a collegiate athlete.

Among his proudest athletic accomplishments, he was named an offensive and special teams MVP and established himself as an exceptional receiver. From 1996 to 1999, he amassed 2,375 career receiving yards at UTC. He still holds the school’s all-time record, sitting just ahead of Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Owens on the Mocs’ leaderboard.

His achievements on the field reflected his athletic ability, discipline, perseverance and commitment to excellence. His legacy lives on through the records he established, the lives he touched and the memories shared by those who knew and loved him.

The Life and Legacy of Stefpon

PRECEDED IN DEATH

Stefpon was preceded in death by his father, Lonnie Hawkins; maternal grandparents, Enoch and Bessie Walls; and paternal grandparents, John Hawkins and Ruby Watts.

HE LEAVES TO CHERISH HIS LOVING MEMORY

Son: Trevares Hawkins, Jacksonville, Florida

Daughters: Courtney Hawkins, Gainesville, Georgia; Ja'Coria and Ja'Cayln Hawkins, Tampa, Florida

Parents: Annie and Allison Ivey, Live Oak, Florida

Siblings: Jeremy Hawkins, Atlanta, Georgia; Shatoya Woodard (Derrick), Tallahassee, Florida; and Brad Hawkins, Valdosta, Georgia

Only granddaughter: Dream Hawkins, Kingsland, Georgia

Nieces and nephews: Sydney Lee, Atlanta, Georgia; Mya & Janay Evans, Atlanta, Georgia; Madison and Mason Hawkins, Atlanta, Georgia; Tyson and Harper Woodard, Tallahassee, Florida

Aunts: Aquilla Walls, Jasper, Florida; Angela Walls, Lake City, Florida; Vanessa Walls and Katina Walls-Paul (John), Jasper, Florida; and Mary Ann Daniels, Jennings, Florida

Uncles: John “Woody” Hawkins Jr., Gainesville, Florida; Enoch Ray Walls Sr. (Gloria), Jasper, Florida; and James Walls I (JoAnn), Greenwood, Mississippi

He also leaves a host of bereaved cousins and friends.