Sylvia C. Hawkins was born in Washington, DC, on March 27, 1944, and died

peacefully on February 17, 2026, after a long bout with congestive heart failure. She

spent her final days surrounded by friends, and family.

Sylvia was a dedicated civil servant who spent more than 46 years working for the

Federal government. She began her career at the Peace Corps in Washington, DC,

where she worked in a secretarial pool, then moved to the Pentagon for several years,

and finally spent the last 33 years of her career working for the Department of Housing

and Development (HUD). Her exceptional skill, integrity and professionalism were

notable throughout her years of service.

Sylvia is the beloved daughter of Willian Penn Cole and Vivian Barnes Cole who have

preceded her in death. She is survived by her loving daughter, Angela Marie Hawkins;

her beau of 30 + years, Hugh Pinkney; her siblings, Rosetta Cole and Marcia Cole; her

nephews, Wendell Wellman and Alexander Cole; and her beloved grand-dog, Riley.

Sylvia was deeply cherished by those who knew her, and she will be profoundly missed.

Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all family, friends and neighbors and

colleagues who visited, who offered support, and those who cooked, cared and showed

consideration for her during her lifetime and especially during the times when her health

was failing. Their collective kindness and presence brought profound comfort during

both happy and difficult times

A viewing and memorial service is planned for Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 12:00 pm,

at Snead Funeral Home at 5732 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20011. We hope

that you will find time to join family, friends and neighbors to say goodbye to our

beloved, mother, sister, auntie, friend and neighbor.