Elizabeth Hawley Ennis

On June 10, 2023, Elizabeth “Liz” Hawley Ennis, 56, a loving wife and mother, dedicated daughter and sister, loyal friend and a family member, passed peacefully after her 2-1/2 year battle with ovarian cancer, surrounded by family and friends.

Liz was born on April 7, 1967, in Raleigh, NC, to Joyce Wilson Hawley and Charles Ray Hawley, as the first of two children. She is survived by her devoted husband and best friend, Randy; the loves of her life, two sons Barrett and Graham; her mother Joyce; her father Ray; her sister Chrissy and brother-in-law Matt; her nephews Liam and Connor; her mother-in-law Susan Ennis; her brother-in-law Beckton James, his wife Mindy and their two children, Rebekah and Thomas.

Liz lived life on her terms and her way. Even as a confident little 6yo dynamo called Elizabeth or Libby, she proudly and confidently said on the first day of school, “My name is Liz.” That purposeful determination continued throughout her fifty-six years living in Raleigh, Wilmington, Baltimore, and Key West. As a Millbrook High School graduate, a college student at UNC-W, and a college graduate from Towson State University, Liz excelled in English, Art History, and Communications. Liz was known by all that met her as fearless, hilarious, generous, and as her close friend commented, “with her own brand of magic.” She enjoyed socializing, traveling, local art and live music. Liz was gifted with an effortless ability to create beauty all around, for herself and others.

She excelled at every job she had, including working as an ad executive at The Leffler Agency and bartending at the famous Sports Bar in Baltimore; managing the popular Two Friends Bar in Key West; designing corporate office spaces with Storr Office Environments; co-founding The Eclectic Garden with her mother and sister, where she created unique interior designs for many homes and businesses throughout the Triangle; and succeeding as top sales person for Bath Fitter renovation company in a highly competitive market. Throughout her life, no matter where she worked or lived, she made lifelong friends.

By a serendipitous encounter, Liz reconnected and ultimately fell in love with a fellow high school classmate, when circumstances brought her back to Raleigh. Randy Ennis quickly became her beloved partner and best friend, matching her with his own hard-working and fun-loving personality. Through three years of dating and 27 years of marriage, Liz and Randy became known as a daring and adventurous couple who lived and loved their life passionately. They were blessed in 2000 and 2003 with sons Barrett and Graham who, like their parents, embrace challenges head on, work hard, enjoy life, and love family and friends unabashedly.

Liz was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the Fall of 2020, an unfortunate family legacy passed down for generations. Liz bravely faced every challenging medical treatment that was given to her, even traveling weekly to Ohio to receive a new chemotherapy. Throughout her years of living life with cancer, Liz never chose fear over positivity, rarely complained, and did not stop caring for her home and family. She was an extraordinary and resilient woman who leaves both an unspeakable void and a remarkable legacy for those that knew and loved her.

Please consider donating to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRAHOPE.org) in memory of Liz Ennis. The family will hold a private gathering in her honor, but encourages others to gather together to celebrate Liz with stories and fond memories.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Ennis family.