Rev. Edward L. Hawkins

Rev. Edward L. Hawkins

Former Rappahannock resident

Rev. Edward Lee Hawkins, 72, of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, formerly a native of Rappahannock County, went home to be with the Lord and Savior on July 2 at the Sentara General Hospital in Norfolk, VA.

Rev. Hawkins was bom January 3, 1934 to the late Raymond Franklin Hawkins. His mother, Sallie Norman Hawkins lives in Culpeper.

He leaves to cherish his memory, a devoted wife of 37 years, Gloria Jenkins Hawkins and three loving children, Susan Hawkins of Gerber and her husband, Sam, Sarah Hawkins Ownley and her husband, Wade, and Jason Edward Hawkins, all of Elizabeth City, NC. He was a devoted grandfather to five grandchildren, J.T., Sammie, Caroline, John Michael Gerber, and Wyatt Ownley.

Rev. Hawkins is also survived by two brothers, Paul Hawkins of Reidsville, NC., and Marvin Hawkins of Culpeper, one sister, Thelma Hawkins of Culpeper, and several nieces and nephews.

He served his country during the Korean War and upon his return attended Bob Jqnes University in Greenville, SC. After completing his studies he returned to Culpeper and founded the Bible Baptist Church, where he was the Pastor for 20 years. In 1988 Rev. Hawkins moved his family to Elizabeth City, NC. where he was the Sr. Pastor for Emmanuel Baptist Church for 18 years. He retired from full time ministry in January 2005. At the time of his death he was the Acting Interim Pastor for Emmanuel Baptist Church in Edenton, NC.

He was preceded in death by one brother, William Hawkins and a daughter, Rebecca Leigh Hawkins.

Pallbearers were Percey Faulkner, Mickey Messick, Mark Hawkins, Daniel Norman, Bruce Beeler and Chris Brown.

A funeral service was held at Bible Baptist Church op Wednesday, July 5 with Dr. D.M. Hardison and Dr. Paul Hawkins officiating. Interment was followed in Fairview Cemetery.

A memorial service was held on Friday, July 7 at Victory Baptist Church in Elizabeth City, NC.