The Abbott community came together on Thursday evening to honor one of their own, Ida Hawthorne. Around 30 vehicles lined up for a drive-by parade in celebration of Hawthorne’s 90th birthday.
Northwest Scott Fire Department led the parade, which began at Calvary Baptist Church on Highway 378. The procession made its way to Abbott Road, where Hawthorne resides.
Hawthorne’s daughter, Cheryl, organized the parade. “She is a feisty, ornery, southern Christian woman with a heart of gold. Her family and friends mean everything to her. Everyone loves her spunky, ornery personality.” Her daughter added that an over the top birthday parade was right up her alley.
Hawthorne was married to her late husband Billie Joe Hawthorne for 61 years. Together, they had six children, nine grandchildren, 19 great- grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. Soon, she will add to that total with the addition of another great-grandchild!
“She loves and adores her church family and her church grandkids,” Cheryl Hawthorne concluded. “Everyone calls her grandma! Her favorite thing is spending Sunday afternoon on the farm with all her family. She still cooks for everyone and takes pride in that. She doesn’t let being 90 slow her down one bit. She still gets dressed up and goes to the big city (Fort Smith) at least once a week to shop and go out to lunch with any family that can meet her. She is the rock to the family and so very loved.”
