Grace Wilson Hawkins

She was the widow of her beloved, Zeb Allen Hawkins.

She was born on her father’s farm in Fort Barnwell, N. C. on December 28, 1932. She grew up with her parents, the late Raymond and Roberta Wilson and her late siblings; Violet Dean Davis, Helen Bryan and Doc Wilson working on the farm and attending school. She moved to New Bern in her teens, got a job at S.H. Kress & Company and later at Copeland-Smith clothing store. After her marriage, she worked as a paper carrier for the Sun Journal, as well as handling the bookkeeping and accounting for her husband’s land clearing business. She married Allen Hawkins in 1947 at the age of 15. He died in April of 1978.

“Aunt Grace,” as she was known by many, believed in working hard and always doing your best! She enjoyed flower arranging, electrolysis, embroidery, and taking care of others, especially her grandkids. She liked to travel and went on many trips with friends and family. She took great pleasure in visiting with people and loved nothing better than sharing her family’s history through stories. She was a member of Clarks United Methodist Church.

Grace is survived by her son, Rex Hawkins and his wife Dianne Hawkins; her two grandchildren Christy Hawkins and her husband, Lee Hunnings and Lawrence Hawkins and his wife, Alicia: her three precious great-granddaughters; Lauren Nicole Parsons, Ashleigh Kate Hunnings and Addison Grace Hawkins; and 14 nieces and nephews.

She will be missed by her family and friends more than words could possibly express. Aunt Grace, you will remain lovingly in our memories forever.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Cotten Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, 2 p.m. at Cotten Funeral Home, followed by a tribute service at Greenleaf Memorial Park with the Reverend Susan Pate Greenwood officiating.

Online condolences may be made to the Hawkins family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are being made with Cotten Funeral Home.