Cheryl Diane Hawthorne, age 73, went home peacefully on February 5th at 1:15 a.m., in her precious home, surrounded by family. She was born on January 6, 1953, in Barber, Arkansas, and lived a life rooted in faith, family, and a quiet strength that never wavered.
Cheryl was a caregiver through and through, with a servant’s spirit and a heart bigger than most. She was witty, strong-willed, and full of true grit, always finding a way to take care of those around her. There wasn’t much she couldn’t do—she could cook a meal that fed a crowd, sew, garden, change a flat tire, back a boat, and fix just about anything that needed fixing. She loved fishing and being on the lake, water skiing, and in her younger years, she could outshoot most men, something she carried with quiet confidence. She was independent and capable, yet gentle, nurturing, and deeply compassionate.
Cheryl was a devoted Christian, and her faith guided the way she lived her life. Whether through quiet acts of kindness, heartfelt prayers, or simply being present, she had a way of making people feel seen, loved, and safe. Her faith was lived out daily through generosity, patience, and selflessness, and her church family was dear to her, providing fellowship, faith, and a sense of home she deeply cherished.
Family was at the center of Cheryl’s world. Her greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren, whom she loved fiercely and without condition. She delighted in cheering them on, nurturing them, and creating memories they will carry for a lifetime. Some of her happiest days were spent traveling with her daughters and grandchildren, soaking up every mile and every moment together.
Cheryl is survived by her daughters, Sonia Traugott and her husband Adam Traugott of Bellville, Texas, and Missy Morton and her fiancé Grant Thornton of Canyon Lake, Texas. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Brooke Bozant (husband Adam Bozant), Dax Morton (wife Kendall Morton), Kirstie Martinez (husband Ruben Martinez), Taylor Davis (husband Matthew Davis), Blake Morton, Adam Traugott II (wife Paige Traugott), Reese Traugott, and Ava Traugott, along with her precious great-grandchildren, Raelyn and Lincoln Bozant and Amelia Davis.
She is also survived by her siblings, with whom she shared a lifelong and unbreakable bond: Dennis, Debbie, Daryl, and Bruce Hawthorne. Cheryl remained close to her many cousins, dearly loved her aunts, and held a special place in her heart for all of her nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. Family meant everything to her. She loved her mom and daddy fiercely, carrying that love with her always.
Cheryl was lovingly known as “Nana,” a name that fit her perfectly and reflected the warmth, comfort, and love she gave so freely. She also remained close to her childhood friends, believing those bonds were meant to last a lifetime.
Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Billy Joe Hawthorne and Ida Mae Hawthorne; the love of her life, Phil Hobbs, whom she never stopped loving; and her brother, Larry
Hawthorne. The loss of Larry stayed with her, and she carried him gently and faithfully in her heart for the rest of her life.
She also leaves behind her cherished best friend, Becky Smith, who was more than a friend—she was family.
If you knew Cheryl, you loved her. She will be missed more than words can say, but her legacy lives on through her daughters and grandchildren, and through the countless lives she touched with her faith, strength, kindness, and love.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Cheryl’s honor on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Martin Funeral & Cremation Chapel in Mansfield, Arkansas with Pastor Pete Rose officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of Martin Funeral & Cremation – Mansfield.
