Margaret Etta Hawkins Thomas

Margaret Hawkins Thomas died at her home surrounded by the love of God in the care of her family early Sunday morning, December 10. Margaret was born to Thomas Finley and Lucy Sullivan Hawkins on October 21, 1923 in her grandmother’s home in Happy Valley, North Carolina. She delighted in her childhood with her loving sisters and family and considered that a great blessing. Margaret grew up in Louisiana and Columbia, South Carolina before moving with her family to Charlotte, North Carolina. She graduated in 1943 with honors from Queens College where she was a member of the Alpha Kappa Gamma sorority. On Halloween of 1942 she met a sailor and a great love story began. She married her true love, Donald Wayne Thomas, on February 6, 1943 and they were a devoted and loving couple for 66 years.

Margaret and Donnie moved to Wendell, his home, and created a home full of love and generosity for their three daughters. They were all brought up with love and respect for all people and a strong faith in God.

Margaret was first and foremost, a wife and mother. She was a loving sister, daughter, grandmother, aunt, and friend to all. Margaret was a wonderful cook whose cakes and biscuits were generously shared. As an accomplished seamstress, she always made clothing that was exactly what the three girls wanted. Margaret and Donnie loved to travel and had many wonderful trips together, but their favorite trip was always “Up Buffalo” in the North Carolina Mountains.

Margaret worked for many years as a bookkeeper for Wendell Furniture Company and later, joined Donnie at the Thomas Insurance Agency. LuAnn Wooters and Debra Coley can attest to Donnie and Margaret’s love and good humor and the many laughs they all shared as they worked together in the office.

As a member of Wendell PTA, Wendell Women’s Club, and a current member of The Thursday Afternoon Club, Margaret felt community involvement was an important part of living in Wendell. She also enjoyed her Tuesday night Bridge Club. One of her favorite stories was of when she won high score for the year, a member remarked, “Just think what you would have done Margaret if you had stayed awake.”

Margaret was active in Wendell Christian Church all her married life. She was active in Christian Women’s Fellowship and served on many committees and administrative boards. Her most lasting legacy was her role as a mentor and encourager to many members. Margaret had a faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that sustained her and made her content in all circumstances. Her devotional books were great in number; and well-marked and well-read.

In her last years, Margaret’s greatest joy was being with family and friends. She was predeceased by her husband and parents, her sisters, Kathryn Hill and Charlotte Adams, her grandson, Nathan Thomas Timmons and many dear friends. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in law: Margaret and David Stauffer (Davidson), Lucy and Fritz Kindsvatter (Raleigh), and Susan and Stuart Shearin (Wendell). Margaret was the beloved Granny of Jason Timmons (Cecily), Tom Stauffer (Jenny), Chuck Stauffer (Amanda), Susann Westlake (Darrell), Katie Brown (Jason), Jeff Stauffer, Sarah Brock (Robbie), and Hawkins Shearin. Her great grandchildren were a very special gift and brought her much joy: Mary Stuart and Molly Stauffer, Wade Westlake, Maggie, Charlotte, and Hannah Kate Brown, Hudgins and Sullivan Brock, Charlie, Anna Keels, and Witt Stauffer, and Clara and Alice Timmons. Her sister, Mary Ann Taylor, many loving nieces and nephews, and her step grandchildren, Lori Parro, Rob Kindsvatter, and Lisa Dowell and their families will also miss her greatly.

Memorial contributions made to Wendell Christian Church Living Endowment Fund, 427 Mattox Street, Wendell, NC 27591 or the charity of your choice are appreciated.

Funeral service 2 pm, Tuesday, Wendell Christian Church with visitation in the sanctuary from 12-2 pm, prior to the service & other times at the home of Stuart Shearin. Burial will follow in Greenmount Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home, 211 W. Third St., Wendell. www.stricklandfuneral.com