Luresa (Hawkins) Lake

I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one. I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun; of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

Luresa Hawkins Lake was born on November 9th, 1929, to the late Julia Hawkins and Facen Hawkins Jr. in Live Oak, FL.

At an early age, Luresa was baptized at MT. Moriah Baptist Church and accepted the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Later, she joined the New Shady Grove Baptist Church family.

Luresa received her formal education at Howard Academy School in Ocala, FL. Luresa     Hawkins was united in holy matrimony with Willie Lake Jr. Their union was blessed with 8 children. Later in life she met her better half Robert Allen Sr. and was blessed with one more child which completed her family.

In her early years, Luresa had the opportunity to be a model for the historic Silver Springs  Paradise Park, showcasing her timeless beauty and grace. Luresa also became the first black woman radio  announcers in Ocala, Fl on WKOS. Over the course of her years, Luresa had a fulfilling career working for E.P. Smith and Sarah Thomas at the city of Agriculture, a correctional officer for the Lowell women’s prison, and the Marion juvenile department where she retired in 1991. 

In her free time Luresa enjoyed cooking delicious meals and attending church. She had a    passion for creating delicious dishes for her loved ones to enjoy. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, and she found solace in her church community.

Luresa was a beautiful person inside and out. Her smile was so stunning it would light up the whole room. She cared so deeply for the people around her. She was so kind and passionate. She made an impact on many lives. She will be forever missed.

Luresa was preceded in death by her parents, Julia Hawkins and Facen Hawkins; siblings, William Hawkins, Walter Hawkins, Curtis Hawkins; spouse, Willie Lake Jr.; Life partner, Robert Allen Sr.; children, Valeria Lake, Curtis Lake, Ervin Lake; Daughter in laws, Jacquelyn Lake, Antoinette Lake; stepdaughter, Ernestine Ford.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Children, Willie (Patricia) Lake, Lawrence Lake, Elease Lake, Nathan Lake, Richard Lake (Tura), Robert (Michelle) Allen Jr.; 21 grandchildren, a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Public viewing will be Friday, April 5, 2024, from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Summers Funeral Home, 2238 NW 10th Street, Ocala, FL. 34475.

Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, 11:00AM at New Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 9225 SW 27th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34476.

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