Honoring Rev. Jamie D. Hawley

Community Renewal Society shares the deep sorrow and loss of our beloved comrade and sojourner in faith, Rev. Jamie D. Hawley. Hawley was courageous, unapologetic, and bold in embarking upon ministry and social justice with integrity and truth. As seminarians attending Chicago Theological Seminary, we co-chaired the student organization, Charles Shelby Rooks Society. As co-chairs, we hosted programming centering on liberation theology and beyond. Personally, I admired my classmate’s genuine curiosity and thirst for knowledge – constantly deconstructing, questioning, and reimagining the status quo. Rev. Hawley’s theological formation continues to create a righteous blueprint for love, inclusivity, and liberation for those seeking a church where all are truly welcomed. Our hearts are with Rev. Hawley’s family and friends here in Illinois, Texas, and across the wider church cherishing memories of a beautiful light in our world. We extend our condolences to the congregations Rev. Hawley was called to serve and to the Chicago Metropolitan Association of the IL conference (United Church of Christ) of which Rev. Hawley was an active and faithful member and leader. We are comforted in the wisdom and assurance of our Lord that there is no sorrow or pain we can experience here on earth that heaven cannot heal. (Isaiah 35:10, KJV). In celebration of such a remarkable ministry, Community Renewal Society’s Bayard Rustin LGBTQIA+ Fellowship will donate an offering in Rev. Hawley’s memory. We look forward to formally announcing the tribute which will be donated to the Chicago Metropolitan Association of the IL Conference of the United Church of Christ. We invite you, the greater Beloved Community to match the offering as we remember, celebrate, and honor a life well lived. Thank you, Rev. Hawley – your faithful ministry will continue to inspire and transform lives. We honor your memory and rejoice knowing we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses! (Hebrews 12:1-2)

In God’s Unfailing Love,

Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton, Executive Director

Community Renewal Society

Dearly Beloved,

With sadness and broken hearts we share the unbelievable news that Rev. Jamie D. Hawley, the Pastor of The Congregational Church of Park Manor, died suddenly on Friday, January 6, 2023.

Rev. Jamie served the armed forces after graduating from high school. Jamie answered the call to Lincoln Memorial Church in 2017, and served as Pastor until January 2022. God called Rev. Jamie to The Congregational Church of Park Manor in February 2022. 

Rev. Jamie was a scholar, a phenomenal preacher, a gifted singer who had a passion and love for music, and visionary Pastor, who had a heart for the people of God. We will miss his unique laugh. Rev. Jamie left a legacy everywhere he went, and in every person whom his Spirit touched. Rev. Jamie was a true gift from God who will truly be missed. Jamie leaves a son (Jamie II), an ex-wife, 3 sisters, and a mother, along with other family who reside in his hometown of Texas.

A funeral will be held on Saturday, January 14 at 11:00 a.m. at The Congregational church of Park Manor (7000 S. King Dr., Chicago, IL 60638), with a visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Clergy are asked to robe for the funeral.

There will also be a visitation on Friday, January 13 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Unity Funeral Home (4114 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60653).

Message of Bereavement written by the Illinois Conference United Church of Christ