Judith Ann Hawkins Has Had a Difficult Time Raising 2 Daughters Alone - More about the Life of Halle Berry's Mother

As a white woman singlehandedly raising two biracial daughters, Halle Berry's mom, Judith Ann Hawkins, found parenthood challenging. Although she is on good terms with the actress today, they experienced a falling out.

Parenthood is no easy feat, let alone having to do it alone. However, Judith Ann Hawkins successfully raised two independent women, Halle Berry and Heidi Berry.

Before becoming a single mom, Hawkins was in an abusive interracial relationship with Jerome Berry, the father of her children.

Judith Ann Hawkins Met Her Future Husband at Work

Liverpool, England-born Hawkins was only ten years old when her parents relocated to the United States. Cleveland, Ohio, became her home, where Hawkins met the man she would marry years later.

From the beginning, Hawkins, a psychiatric hospital nurse, had a complicated relationship with Jerome, a nurse's aide. Having been in love with a black man in the '60s, people around them were less accepting. Still, they pursued their romance and tied the knot.

On October 6, 1964, Hawkins and Jerome became first-time parents, welcoming their daughter, Heidi Berry. Heidi would later join the entertainment industry, known for her roles in "Fireflies in the Garden" and "Passion in the Desert."

Two years later, Halle Berry was born on August 14, 1966. She built her career in Hollywood with several known blockbusters alongside A-list actors and actresses.

Halle was still a child when her parents divorced. Although she was too young when it happened, the actress saw her mom's hard work. "My mother was this strong, warrior woman," she said.

Judith Hawkins's Relationship with Her Husband Was Far from Ideal

Sadly, Hawkins was a victim of abuse during her marriage, a nightmare Halle witnessed at a young age. Speaking of her experiences during an interview, the "Catwoman" star detailed the horrific pain her mother suffered. She said:

"Knowing that she wanted nothing more than for her little girls to see her be empowered and be a woman of strength, but having no way to make that happen was heartbreaking for me."

Halle Berry Didn't Communicate with Her Mother for a Year

While Hawkins and Halle have a great relationship today, they previously went a year without talking. At the onset of her career, Halle needed money after moving to New York City.

However, after asking her mom to send money, Hawkins said no. Halle refused to speak to her mother for a year but eventually realized that her mother's tough love made her a better, hardworking woman.

Halle exhausted all efforts to make ends meet and never thought about giving up. Safe to say, her sacrifices were all worth it, and despite not sending her money, Hawkins was supportive of her daughter's career.

Hawkins has walked the red carpet with her daughter several times. In 2007, she appeared with Halle at the Pre-Oscar celebration and at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where the actress was honored with a star.

Hawkins was also the first person Halle called when she received a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for "Monster Ball."

Halle Berry's Teacher Is Her Second Mother

Halle previously paid tribute to another woman, whom she calls her other mother, Yvonne Sims, her elementary school teacher. Sims has been a mother figure since becoming Halle's teacher in 5th grade. According to the "Die Another Day" star, Sims has shown love, guidance, and support throughout her life.

Halle Berry became a mother after 40, welcoming her daughter, Nahla, and son, Maceo. At that point in her life, she was more than ready to take on motherhood than when she would have in her 20s.