H
awes married Frank Hawes in 1950 and co-founded Hawes Realty, one of the region's largest Black-owned real estate firms. The company employed over 30 agents across two offices at its peak. Her daughter, Ro Nita Hawes-Saunders, said her mother fought against discriminatory practices like redlining to help thousands of Black families achieve homeownership in Dayton.

    Hawes was a vocal advocate for civil rights and battled injustice throughout the movement. She participated in nationwide protests, was arrested multiple times, and even attended a protest in Washington D.C. alongside Arthur Ashe. Her daughter described her as "a dynamite advocate for justice."

    Born in Kentucky in 1930, Hawes moved to Dayton during high school and later studied at Wilberforce University and Capitol University. She held leadership positions in the Dayton Association of Real Estate Brokers and received numerous awards, including Entrepreneur of the Year from the University of Dayton's Small Business Development Center.

    Hawes' activism continued through her work with organizations like the Dayton Human Relations Council and the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission. Her daughter said she championed education, equal rights, and justice, emphasizing that "somebody has to speak up." Hawes is survived by her children, grandchildren, sisters, and brother.