Obituary of Mary Frances Hawkins

Mary Frances Winston-Hawkins passed away peacefully at her home on November 28, 2018 at the age of 77. Mary was born April 10, 1941 in Creedmore, North Carolina, the loving daughter of the late Owen and Esther Winston. She moved at a young age to Cinnaminson, where she grew up on a farm and later moved to Palmyra. She attended Cinnaminson public school and graduated from Palmyra High.

Mary accepted the Lord and was Baptized at First Baptist Church in Riverside, where she met and was later married to the love of her life, Nelson Hawkins in 1964. Out of their union, they were blessed with their loving son, Rudy.

Among her many contributions, Mary worked at RCA and founded Hawkins’ Janitorial Service with her husband. She was also a loving caregiver to many friends and family members, always there to lend a hand whenever needed. Mary always knew what was needed and when. Her passions included listening to her favorite Gospel songs, especially “Precious Lord”, and her extensive antiquing and yard sale skills that resulted in the numerous pieces Mary expertly collected and used to create her warm and loving home in Riverside. Mary was an avid family entertainer – she loved the game nights and crab parties she and Nelson hosted. She had an expert eye when it came to home design and decorating, including the creation of her spectacular fish pond, where her favorite fish “Mary” still lives. She also had a true knack for woodworking and furniture refinishing. Mary loved all animals, most especially her dogs, Bee-Bee and Muzzy.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, Nelson, her loving son Rudolph “Rudy”, loving sisters Hannah Lindsay (Carlton) and Shirley Hardy (Lou), loving brothers Willard Mahan (Emily) and Carl “Billy” Mahan (Deirdre), grandchildren Joshua and Lindsey, sisters-in-law Daisy Hawkins, Phyllis Masters and Florine Winston, and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her beloved brothers Thomas (Helen), Alfred and Alan, beloved sisters-in-law Mickey and Tutu, and many other cherished sisters- and brothers-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Mary’s name to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 125 South 9th St. Suite 202, Philadelphia, PA 19107 or to the North Shore Animal League, 25 Davis Ave. Port Washington, NY 11050.