Mae Rogers Hawkins

Mae R. Hawkins, age 88, of Candler, died Thursday, April 26, 2018. She was the wife of her beloved late husband, Doyle J. Hawkins, for 67 years, who died February 18, 2016, daughter of the late Troy P. and Delma R. Rogers, and sister of the late B. Dale Rogers. Surviving loved ones are daughters, Susan Hawkins Pitcher, of Candler and Maria Hawkins, of Redding, CA; grandsons, Bradley C. Messer and wife Sarina and Jamie Pitcher; granddaughter, Chynna Carver; great grandson, Bradley Tucker Messer; brother and sister-in-law, Carlie W. and Bobbie E. Rogers; sister-in-law, Lola J. Rogers; nieces, Terri R. Miller, Vicki R. Morgan, Leanna R. Moody, Brenda Cleveland and Dena Hulsey; and nephews, Randy P. Rogers, Gary Swanger and Eric Hawkins. A public school secretary for 17 years, Mae retired from Buncombe County School in 1992, having been employed at Sand Hill Primary and Candler Elementary Schools. She was a native of Madison County, spent most of her life in Buncombe County, and was also a resident of Knox County, Tennessee for 21 years. A 1948 graduate of Candler High School, she smiled when reflecting on the memory of being editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and school annual, The Candler Acorn. She acknowledged her Christian faith in 1950 and was a member of West Asheville Baptist Church since October, 1979, where she taught Faith Sunday School/Winsome Faith Sunday School Class where she developed a weekly prayer commitment and a perpetual penny project. Bible study was a priority and she was privileged to be a discussion leader with Bible Study Fellowship for several years. Loved ones and friends often heard the parting words "love you" or "hugs from the heart." A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 29, in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home, with Rev. Tony Hooper and Rev. Dr. Stan Welch officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, prior to the service. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Asheville Baptist Church, 926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806.