MARTHA SPANGLER HAWKINS, 91, of Bluffton, SC passed away peacefully at her home on February 10, 2025, after a lengthy illness. She was born April 5, 1933, in Shelby, NC, the daughter of Mary Gladys Mauney and Dather Hugo Spangler. She grew up in Shelby, graduated from Shelby High School in 1951, and studied at Limestone College and William & Mary. After college, she worked for pathology programs at both the UNC Medical School in Chapel Hill, NC and at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA. On May 14, 1955, she married Ronald Hawkins, also from Shelby, and they were happily married and devoted to one another for almost 67 years, until his death in 2022.
The Hawkins’ philanthropic efforts were extensive, and benefactors of their efforts included Gardner Webb University. In 2012, Gardner Webb University recognized Ronald and Martha’s contributions to the Tucker Student Center as they named the Center’s Lakeside Terrace after the couple in recognition of their outstanding fundraising efforts on behalf of the University.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks and gratitude for the love, care and compassion provided to both Martha and Ronald Hawkins by Hospice Care of the Lowcountry (MiraSol Health). In addition, they are grateful for six years of constant care and companionship from Right at Home (especially Heather Flowers, and caregivers Abby, Cindi, Brooklyn, Jennifer, Elizabeth, and Roseann).
Martha’s interment at the Beaufort National Cemetery, alongside her husband, will take place in a private ceremony in early April. A memorial service is being planned to celebrate Martha’s life and legacy of love. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, www.mirasolhealth.org. Keith Funeral Home is overseeing funeral arrangements, www.keithfuneral.com.
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