Colleen Hawthorne McCalmontServices for Ms. Colleen Hawthorne McCalmont will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria with Dr. B. David Brooks officiating. Burial will be in Alexandria Memorial Gardens. The family requests that visitation be observed Friday at Hixson Brothers, Alexandria from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and will continue on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.Colleen Hawthorne McCalmont closed her eyes on February 22, 2017 and then immediately opened them in heaven. Despite her terminal brain cancer diagnosis, she lived longer than expected or predicted, a true testament to her resilience. Colleen was born on August 5, 1959 to Lavelle and Bettye Jean Hawthorne in Alexandria, LA. Despite her short stature, she was always the boss of her two brothers, Brian and Bradley. She attended Cherokee Elementary, Brame Jr High, and Bolton High School. She graduated from Louisiana Tech with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. Colleen was hospitable. Colleen loved to entertain and was an excellent cook. She had a knack for adding her special touch to the countless events she hosted, going above and beyond to make each guest feel welcome and special. Knowing that it was time for a Louisiana family gathering Colleen would frequently call a fish fry or crawfish boil to order, and she would gather everyone's families together. Her favorite hobby was to make and monogram beautiful heirloom outfits for her two grandchildren. Colleen was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church and volunteered every chance she had. Colleen had a selfless spirit and was always looking for opportunities to give her time or resources. She taught 1st grade Sunday School for nearly 15 years and also volunteered in the youth program, serving as a chaperone and opening her home for youth events. She shared the love of Jesus with many children, big and little, and the impact she had on their lives is immeasurable. Colleen was also a wonderful friend. In the last months of her life, she gleaned courage from her dear ones. When she did not have the strength, she relied on her friends to carry her pallet to the feet of Jesus, and carry her they did. Among the many things Colleen enjoyed, she would say that her greatest joy and purpose in life was being a mother. She always encouraged her kids to be their best self. She was their biggest cheerleader, and their accomplishments were the crowning moments of her life. Having passed her mind for math onto her children, she was able to see them all have successful careers. She also loved being a grandmother, and boy, was she a good one! "Nan" was always there to offer a hug, a toy, or a grandmotherly excuse for their occasional bad behavior. She never prayed as much for herself as she did for her children and grandchildren. Everything she did, she did it for them.Colleen cared for many people during her 57 years on this earth: her children, grandchildren, nephews, and the list goes on and on. However, in the last months of her life, her mother Bettye Jean "BJ" Hawthorne cared for her daughter, like she had done when Colleen was young. BJ is to be commended for her tireless efforts and unconditional love while caring for her ailing daughter. Those welcoming her to heaven, were her father, Lavelle Hawthorne, her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Hawthorne and Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe B. Grant.Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, James A. McCalmont, IV and wife, Payton, and Grant McCalmont; daughter, Dr. Lauren E. McCalmont; mother, Bettye Jean "BJ" Hawthorne; grandchildren, Callie and James Addison McCalmont, V; brothers, Brian Hawthorne and wife, Melanie, and Bradley Hawthorne; nephews, Chandler and wife, Erica and Christopher Hawthorne The family would like to thank the many members of Calvary Baptist church for their prayers and acts of kindness. We would also like to thank Colleen's cousin, Gay Lynn Paddie for caring for Colleen in the home setting. Thank you to the Cabrini Hospice staff for your loving kindness shown to Colleen and our family. Pallbearers include Ronnie Beard, Chad Brooks, Randy Chaya, Aaron Guillot, Christopher Hawthorne, and Chandler Hawthorne. Honorary pallbearers include Willie Cooper, Chet Cooper, Clay Cooper, Mike Grant, William McGraw, and James A. McCalmont, V. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Calvary Baptist Church children's ministry 5011 Jackson Street, Alexandria, LA 71303.To extend online condolences to the McCalmont family, please visit us at www.hixsonbrothers.com.