Janis Elaine McAlister Hawkins, age 72, of Anderson, SC, passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Emory St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta.

Born August 25, 1952, in Williamston, SC, she was a daughter of the late James McAlister, Sr. and Helen Higginbotham McAlister. She was married to John William Hawkins until his death in 2019. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Margaret Ellis.

Janis was a dispatcher with Bellsouth for over 30 years before retiring. She was a hard worker and could make some of the best home cooked country meals. She loved to play the piano and shared her musical talents with her church family whom she loved so dearly. She was a devout Christian and loved to worship. She was an avid Clemson fan and enjoyed camping and fishing. Above all, Janis was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who adored her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Reece (Robbie) and Amanda Ellis (Josh); brother, James McAlister, Jr. (Yvonne); and grandchildren, Naomi, Lydia, Chloe, Esther, Layla, and Robbie.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 1:00-2:15 pm at Belton Church of God. The funeral service will begin at 2:30 pm with Pastor Norman Black officiating. Burial will follow at Long Branch Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Belton Church of God, PO Box 642, Belton, SC 29627.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM.