Obituary of Eleanor Hawkins

Eleanor Newman Hawkins lived 81 wonderful years and passed away peacefully, ending her battle with metastatic breast cancer on Sunday October 1st in her hometown of Charlotte, NC. She was surrounded by dear friends and loved ones. 

Eleanor was born in Sumter, SC on January 19, 1942 to parents, the late  Sarah Frances Newman and Turner Boyd Newman. She was the fifth child in the family of 8 children. Eleanor had 5 brothers and 2 sisters, she was the youngest girl. Her father Boyd was a tobacco farmer and an electrician. Her mother Sarah Frances was a homemaker, her role model, and a patron saint in her eyes. Eleanor grew up tending the fields of tobacco, along with her family. She learned to sew at an early age, even making her own prom dress. She was involved in the local 4-H club and won several awards, singing contests, and beauty pageants as a teenager.  

Eleanor graduated from Maywood High School in Sumter, SC in 1960 and went on to graduate from Winthrop College in Rock Hill, SC attaining a bachelor's degree in Education. She later earned her master's degree in Education for Childhood Development from UNC Charlotte. Over her career, she taught at several different schools in Charlotte, Virginia Beach, and Atlanta.  She also started a preschool program at Quail Hollow Presbyterian Church in the 70's that is still thriving today.

Eleanor was a beautiful, joyful woman that could light up any room. She lived her life with grace. Continually generous with her time, she loved to be in service and care for others. She was always grateful for her many blessings and a loyal companion who enjoyed many lifelong friendships.  Eleanor was gifted with a beautiful soprano and alto voice and sang throughout her life in the church and various choirs. She also enjoyed making art through pastels, watercolors, oil paintings, and other mediums. Her artistic talents continue to live on through her children and grandchildren. The warmth of her smile, infectious laugh, and good natured spirit made her so fun to be around. One of the favorite treasures in her life was her rose garden and the many other plants she cultivated, to which she knew just about every name off hand. A lover of sports and a loyal fan of both the Charlotte Hornets and the Carolina Panthers. Eleanor’s most valued roles were being a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, and she will be deeply missed. 

She is survived by her husband John Hawkins of 56 years, her daughters Elisa Hawkins Metzcus (Michael), Leigh Ann Hawkins Faherty (Pete), Heather Hawkins Copeland (Brad), her son John Alan Hawkins, and her 9 grandchildren, Madelyn, Vivienne (Metzcus), Alden, Mae, Gardner, Hugh (Faherty), Diego, Ren, and Jett (Copeland). Her brothers Verne, Boyd, Timmy, and Paul Newman, and sister Rose Marie. Predeceased by her sister Annette and brother Ronnie.

There will be a public funeral service to honor Eleanor at St. Stephen United Methodist Church on Tuesday October 10 at 2pm. Any one that wants to be there is welcome to attend. There will be a reception afterwards at the same location. 

Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital. 

https://raise.stjude.org/fundraiser/5012985

She adored young children and would want to help any of them experiencing hardships and disease to receive care and love.

Special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and care providers at Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, Perspective Health and Wellness, and the many caregivers at The Cypress of Charlotte.