Virginia Priest Hawthorne

Virginia Priest Doria Hawthorne (Aunt Jeannie), 97, went home to join her husband, parents, and 9 siblings in the loving arms of her Savior on September 3, 2018. Aunt Jeannie began her earthly journey on October 18, 1920. She was born in Neame, LA but moved to Shreveport, LA with her family when she was still an infant. She was called home on Labor Day, perhaps symbolizing her many years of hard work and devotion to family. She was a dedicated employee of Palais Royal department store for many years, working at both their downtown and Shreve City locations. Likewise, her devotion included daily prayer, weekly attendance to Mass and paying her respect at Forest Park West and St. Joseph Cemeteries to loved ones who were called home before her. One can imagine at her spiritual family reunion, arranged by her heavenly Father, she was eagerly welcomed by her husband of over 50 years, James William Hawthorne (Uncle Bill), with a loving embrace. The four years since he was released from the bonds of Earth only served to strengthen their love and respect for one another. Others also welcoming her to her new heavenly home were her parents, the late Antonio and Anna Priest along with her nine siblings. Her sister Lena, who died in 1937, was the first of her nine siblings to take her hand and pull her close, replacing the tears of sadness which once filled Aunt Jeannie's eyes with those of joy and the laughter of a little girl. Once Jeannie and Lena released each other from their long overdue embrace, her other siblings (Rosie, Mary, Joe, Nick, Sam, Frank, Camille, and Dominick) were each quick to give her warm homecoming hugs. A man she had not seen in many years slowly moved forward into the light where she quickly recognized him as her first husband, Frank Nicholas Doria. Frank and Jeannie were married in 1942, but this union was cut short by his death in World War II. He rejoiced in her commitment to his memory and the support of her second husband (Bill) through their weekly visits to his grave site. Surviving members still on the waiting list to attend future spiritual family reunions are numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will cherish her memory in the meantime. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 204 Patton Avenue, Shreveport. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. (noon). Mass will be celebrated by Very Rev. Msgr. Earl Provenza. Pallbearers are Craig Martin, Chris Spano, Anthony Priest, Brandon Smith, Mark Williams, and Brett Norris. Interment will be at Forest Park West immediately following Mass. The family would like to express their appreciation for the services provided by Brookdale Senior Living and NurseCare of Shreveport (Highland Place Rehab & Nursing Center).