Our staff's commitment to you

Our staff is committed to providing support, compassion, information, and direction as needed to all members of our community, their families, and friends who are dealing with loss and grief.

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Thelma L. Greaves-Hawkins Licensed Funeral Director/ Owner & President Thelma@greavesmemorial.com

Thelma L. Greaves-Hawkins is a New York State Licensed Funeral Director. A 1978 graduate of American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Services. She is the Owner, President, and Manager of Greaves-Hawkins Memorial Funeral Services, Inc., which was founded in 1984. She is married to Rene Hawkins, the mother of five children, twenty-two grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

 

She possesses a wealth of compassion and believes every family is worthy of proficient care. The legacy of Greaves-Hawkins Memorial Funeral Services respites on that uncompromised principle.

 

Her intentional ministry of caring for families during difficult times makes every family feel they are part of her family. Thelma’s dedication to the Funeral Home's promise of care, comfort, and commitment is unwavering services. Her saying of “we are here when you need it most” always conveys what she promises.

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Shane Kendell Williams Licensed Funeral Director

Shane Kendell Williams is a New York State Licensed Funeral Director and a proud member of our team since 2005. He is a 2004 graduate of Nassau Community College, where he earned his degree in Mortuary Science.

Originally from Grenada, Shane brings deep cultural insight and compassion to his work, often leading our Caribbean traditional funeral services with care and respect. His dedication to honoring diverse customs and traditions has made him a valued resource for families seeking culturally sensitive arrangements.

Shane is married to Tara L. Spivey-Williams, granddaughter of Thelma and Rene Hawkins, and together they are proud parents of one son.

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Rene Hawkins Owner/Vice President

Rene Hawkins is the co-owner of Greaves-Hawkins Memorial Funeral Services, Inc.  He is the Vice President, a retired Accountant and Real Estate Agent. He is the son of Legionary, Hall of Fame Jazz Great Coleman Hawkins, the father of the Tenor Saxophone. He is married to Thelma L. Greaves.

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Tara L. Spivey-Williams Secretary and Office Administrator

Tara L. Spivey-Williams is the firms Secretary and Office Administrator. She is a graduate of New York Institute of Technology. Tara is married to Shane Kendell Williams and is the mother of one son. 

She is the granddaughter of Thelma & Rene Hawkins and an integral part of this family run business.  On Tara spare time you can find her supporting her son who is an active player for the bonnies baseball team. 

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Michael E. Spivey Operations Manager Mspivey@greavesmemorial.com

Michael E. Spivey serves as the firm's Operations Manager, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the organization. He is a graduate of the University of Phoenix, where he earned a dual degree in Human Services Management with a concentration in Non-Profit Organizational Leadership.

A passionate advocate for community engagement, Michael is deeply committed to volunteerism and youth development. He has held numerous leadership roles within the YMCA of Greater New York, where he has mentored and inspired countless young adults throughout the Queens community.

In addition to overseeing the financial operations of the funeral home, Michael finds fulfillment in mentoring individuals with intellectual disabilities, helping them build confidence and life skills.

Michael is married to Racine Stewart-Spivey and is the proud grandson of Thelma and Rene Hawkins.

Thelma L. Greaves-Hawkins

Licensed Funeral Director/ Owner & President
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Thelma L. Greaves-Hawkins is a New York State Licensed Funeral Director. A 1978 graduate of American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Services. She is the Owner, President, and Manager of Greaves-Hawkins Memorial Funeral Services, Inc., which was founded in 1984. She is married to Rene Hawkins, the mother of five children, twenty-two grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

 

She possesses a wealth of compassion and believes every family is worthy of proficient care. The legacy of Greaves-Hawkins Memorial Funeral Services respites on that uncompromised principle.

 

Her intentional ministry of caring for families during difficult times makes every family feel they are part of her family. Thelma’s dedication to the Funeral Home's promise of care, comfort, and commitment is unwavering services. Her saying of “we are here when you need it most” always conveys what she promises.

Shane Kendell Williams

Licensed Funeral Director
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Shane Kendell Williams is a New York State Licensed Funeral Director and a proud member of our team since 2005. He is a 2004 graduate of Nassau Community College, where he earned his degree in Mortuary Science.

Originally from Grenada, Shane brings deep cultural insight and compassion to his work, often leading our Caribbean traditional funeral services with care and respect. His dedication to honoring diverse customs and traditions has made him a valued resource for families seeking culturally sensitive arrangements.

Shane is married to Tara L. Spivey-Williams, granddaughter of Thelma and Rene Hawkins, and together they are proud parents of one son.

Rene Hawkins

Owner/Vice President
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Rene Hawkins is the co-owner of Greaves-Hawkins Memorial Funeral Services, Inc.  He is the Vice President, a retired Accountant and Real Estate Agent. He is the son of Legionary, Hall of Fame Jazz Great Coleman Hawkins, the father of the Tenor Saxophone. He is married to Thelma L. Greaves.

Tara L. Spivey-Williams

Secretary and Office Administrator
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Tara L. Spivey-Williams is the firms Secretary and Office Administrator. She is a graduate of New York Institute of Technology. Tara is married to Shane Kendell Williams and is the mother of one son. 

She is the granddaughter of Thelma & Rene Hawkins and an integral part of this family run business.  On Tara spare time you can find her supporting her son who is an active player for the bonnies baseball team. 

Michael E. Spivey

Operations Manager
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Michael E. Spivey serves as the firm's Operations Manager, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the organization. He is a graduate of the University of Phoenix, where he earned a dual degree in Human Services Management with a concentration in Non-Profit Organizational Leadership.

A passionate advocate for community engagement, Michael is deeply committed to volunteerism and youth development. He has held numerous leadership roles within the YMCA of Greater New York, where he has mentored and inspired countless young adults throughout the Queens community.

In addition to overseeing the financial operations of the funeral home, Michael finds fulfillment in mentoring individuals with intellectual disabilities, helping them build confidence and life skills.

Michael is married to Racine Stewart-Spivey and is the proud grandson of Thelma and Rene Hawkins.