Bennett Lee Hawn

       The family of Bennett Lee Hawn will receive friends Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at Webb & Stephens Funeral Home North.  Funeral services will begin at 2:00pm on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Russell Christian Academy Worship Center with Brother David Holifield and Coach Matt Lewis officiating.  The family will also receive friends from 12:00pm to 1:30pm prior to the funeral service.  Interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery with the graveside service being officiated by Brother Jay Murphy. 

     It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved son, Bennett Lee Hawn, 14, of Meridian, Mississippi.  Bennett passed away May 23, 2024, surrounded by his family and caring nurses at Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children in Birmingham, Alabama after an 18-month battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma.  Bennett was born several weeks premature on November 20, 2009, at Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian, Mississippi.  Bennett’s small birth size did not deter him as he entered into this world a fighter and full of determination. 

     As a young child, Bennett’s character was already larger than life itself and he brought a smile to the face of everyone he met.  Bennett possessed a heart of gold and remained selfless throughout his courageous battle with cancer even making the decision to donate his corneas to someone in need along with both of his eyes to be used in research.  Bennett was known by family and friends for being sophisticated, comical, vivacious, passionate, amicable, and imaginative. 

     Bennett attended Russell Christian Academy from kindergarten through the end of his 8^th grade year.  Over the course of his tenure at Russell Christian Academy, Bennett established close friendships that will continue to endure the test of time.  Bennett had an athletic and competitive nature that began early in his childhood.  He played recreational soccer, Upward basketball, but eventually set his heart on baseball.  Bennett played Meridian Recreational Baseball from the age of 4 years old and rounded out his final season playing for the Meridian 12U All-Stars as they won the State Championship in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.  There was nothing more Bennett wanted to do than continue playing his beloved sport as part of the Russell Christian Academy Junior Varsity Baseball Team.  Although Bennett’s ongoing cancer battle may have prohibited him from ever hitting the field with his Russell Christian teammates, he was present at each and every game in spirit.  

     Bennett made numerous achievements during his time at Russell Christian Academy.  He was an avid speller and won the Spelling Bee for his grade every year including his final year when Bennett had just learned of cancer returning. He was voted “most creative”, “best handwriting”, “Mr. 6^th Grade”, and concluded each academic year on the “Headmaster’s List”.  During his 8^th grade year, Bennett was thrilled to participate in his Junior Varsity Scholar’s Bowl team in which they placed 3^rd in District. 

     Bennett lived life to the fullest and traveled to more places during his 14-year lifespan than most adults.  He enjoyed following and attending countless Southern Miss baseball games with his father, their favorite pastime.  He vacationed to New York City twice, attended Boston Red Sox games with his father the year they won the World Series, made numerous trips to New Orleans to spend time with his Aunt Jessica, visited his Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Frank in Oxford, Mississippi while soaking up Ole Miss Baseball games, enjoyed annual family getaways to Orange Beach, Alabama, and cherished the weekends he got to spend with his Pawpaw in Louisville, Mississippi (AKA God’s Country) kicking up mud, building forts, or hunting deer.

     Outside of sports and traveling, Bennett was fascinated by historical events and the weather.  Bennett has a vast array of knowledge surrounding American and World history, geography, the human body and its chemistry, along with up-and-coming technology.  He was enmeshed in the world of online gaming and had recently built his own personal computer from scratch.  Bennett found entertainment in various YouTubers, comedians, and exchanging messages with friends on Snapchat. 

     Bennett professed his faith in Jesus Christ at the early age of 8 years old.  He made the decision to recommit his life to the Lord at the age of 14 and continued to sing hymns and say prayers out loud even in a state of unconsciousness as his disease progressed.  Bennett continually held onto his faith, never questioned God, and exhibited contentment even in the worst of times. Bennett is a true testament of God’s love, and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). 

     Bennett Lee Hawn is survived by his loving family, including his mother and stepfather, Lindsey Jo and James Prentiss Rogers of Meridian, MS; father, Jonathan Ryan Hawn (Sarah Peavy) of Hattiesburg; Maternal grandmother and step-grandfather, Marie Pace-Allen and Delver Gene Allen of Meridian, MS; Maternal grandfather and step-grandmother, Perry Warren and Kaye Pace of Klondike, MS; Paternal grandfather, Billy Hawn (Sylvia) of Meridian, MS; Maternal step-grandmother, Jeri Rogers of Pine Springs, MS; Maternal step-grandfather, Roy Rogers (Shauna) of Columbiana, AL; along with many, many beloved family members and friends whom Bennett dearly loved; as well as his black lab, Duke; and his three cats: Dean, Annabelle, and Houser.

       Bennett was preceded in death by his Paternal grandmother, Vicki Welch of Hattiesburg, MS; Paternal great grandparents, Wesley and Dorothy Hawn of Jayess, MS and Thomas Welch and Belinda Davenport of Hattiesburg, MS; and Maternal great grandmother, Mary Pace of Daleville, MS; and Maternal step great-grandmother, Kristy Graham of Dalewood, MS. 

     Pallbearers for his service will be the Russell Christian Academy baseball team. Honorary pallbearers will be three of Bennett’s closest and long-time friends: Jack Beesley, Peyton Singleton, and Christian Bishop.

     The family of Bennett Lee Hawn would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Bennett’s lifelong pediatrician, Dr. Kenneth J. Reid of Meridian, MS; Dr. Kimberly Whelan and her dedicated staff of the Hematology/Oncology Clinic at Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children; Dr. Buckingham and the palliative care team at Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children; Dr. Elizabeth Beierle and her surgical assistants at Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children; Dr. Caleb Dulaney and the radiologic technologists at Meridian Oncology Associates; Kyle Ethridge and Harper’s Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Bennett while he was still in the home; Metro Ambulance staff for being so accommodating to Bennett during his trips to and from radiation; Russell Christian Academy student body and faculty for their heartfelt support and understanding throughout this difficult time; church families near and far that prayed for Bennett without ceasing; Meridian Community College baseball team for creating an uplifting video for Bennett and putting together a gift basket to brighten his day; Ole Miss baseball team for sending Bennett a signed batter’s helmet, signed baseballs, and a signed copy of a collector’s edition National Championship book; Make-A-Wish foundation for making it possible for Bennett to visit New York City, ride in a limousine, and enjoy a shopping spree at the American Dream Mall for his 14^th birthday; Smile-A-Mile and all the goodies they delivered to Bennett in and out of the hospital to lift his spirits; each and every person who donated to Bennett’s GoFundMe; everyone who delivered meals while we were caring for Bennett around the clock in the home; each individual who took the time to write Bennett a letter or send a card; and the Russell Christian Academy Headmaster, Jamie Morphis, who organized several fundraisers to help out with medical bills and travel expenses along the way. 

     In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bennett’s honor towards Bejamin Russell Hospital for Children in Birmingham, Alabama, The Charlie Landers Foundation for Ewing’s Sarcoma, or Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency. 

     The faculty and parents of Russell Christian Academy have graciously offered to host a reception celebrating the life of Bennett Lee Hawn succeeding the burial ceremony. 

     The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-North is grateful for the opportunity to honor Bennett’s young life and serve his loving and dedicated family at this time.