The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Mayor honors woman for century
Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley presented a proclamation Aug. 24 to longtime resident Maggie Hawthorne in honor of her 100th birthday and her contributions to the community.
Gathering at Hair Love Beauty, 150 E. 10th St., Bradley presented the proclamation to Hawthorne with two of her grandchildren present.
Hawthorne was born Aug. 15, 1921, in Macon, Miss., and has lived in Lorain for more than 60 years. She relocated to the city when her husband, Howard, came to work at U.S. Steel.
She has more than 400 descendants spanning six generations.
Bradley said Hawthorne was a shining light in the city of Lorain in continuing to be there for her family and drawing on her faith with her first meal on her birthday being communion.
“We want everybody in the city of Lorain to know and appreciate the fact that you’ve been here with us for over 60 years, but you’ve been on this earth for 100 and now you’re going on your 101st year,” he said.
“I want to tell you happy birthday.
“I wish you much joy and happiness in the years to come. The citizens of Lorain thank you for your outstanding contributions and dedication to our city and to your family.”
Hawthorne is a charter member of Love Koinonia
Church in Lorain, under the leadership of Pastor Terrance Bivins.
She shares her wisdom with other church members and is loved by all, according to Bivins.
The kitchen of the church is dedicated as Mother Maggie Hawthorne Kitchen, Bivins said.
She affectionately is known as a neighborhood mother for her love and caring throughout the community — especially for doing hair and cooking to feed all who have graced her home.
Hawthorne’s family and church celebrated her centennial on her birthday, Bivins said.