Thursday, March 23, 2017 8:15 am

Mary Elizabeth Hames Hawkins, age 88, of Forest City passed away Friday March 17, 2017.

Mrs. Hawkins was a native of Rutherford County, the widow of the late Harry Everette Hawkins and daughter of the late Grover Chester Hames and Lois Lucille Allen Hames. She was also preceded in death by her son James Ray Hawkins, brothers, Rev. Walter Hames and Bud Hames, sisters Juanita Rogers and Kathryn Morris and a great granddaughter and son in law Dean Brandle.

Left to cherish her memory are daughters Jean Brandle of Forest City, Barbara (John) Carver of Forest City, Marilyn (Steve) Morris of Rutherfordton, and Deborah (David) White of Forest City, a sister Virginia Robbins of Columbus, a special granddaughter, 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at Crowe's Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Scott Butler officiating. Burial followed in the Floyd's Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County P.O. Box 336 Forest City, NC 28043.

Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the family.