Norma Hawkins Obituary

Norma Hawkins CHARLESTON - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Norma Gale Hawkins ne;e Wilhoit, who left this world on October 1, 2023, after a lengthy hospitalization. She was 87 years old. She is survived by her husband, Ret. Maj. Richard "Dick" C. Hawkins of Charleston, as well as son, Richard "Rick" R. Hawkins (Tracy) and his children, Kyle Gassaway (Kelci), Ryan Gassaway (Laura), and Hailey Hawkins and his grandchildren, Amelia, Silas, Elijah and Lukas Gassaway all of NC. She is also survived by her daughter, Cheryl May Steadman (Paul), her grandchildren, Chelsea Handegan (Jack) of Charleston and Palmer Steadman of NYC and her great-grandchild, Hattie May Handegan. Born on May 18, 1936, in Centralia, Kansas, Norma Gale Hawkins was the daughter of Dr. Cecil R. Wilhoit and May Stella Wilhoit. From her early years, she exhibited a fighting spirit that would serve as an enduring trait throughout her life. Norma was a loyal and supportive spouse to her husband, Dick, who served as an officer in the USAF. Together, they embarked on a journey that took them to various corners of the world, experiencing different cultures and making lifelong friends. Of all the places she lived, it was Guam that captured her heart. Norma's unwavering support and love were the pillars that held their family together during these adventures. After Dick's retirement from the Air Force, they resided in Summerville, SC, for 45 years where she created a warm and loving home. This year, Norma and Dick moved to Charleston where they celebrated 65 years of marriage, a testament to the enduring power of love and companionship. As a devoted mother, her children were the center of her world and she provided them with steadfast support, guidance, and love throughout their lives. She instilled in them the values of kindness, empathy, and the importance of caring for family. She was also a beloved grandmother to her grandchildren. Her love and devotion to them was boundless and they were a source of immense pride and joy for their Nina. Norma exhibited extraordinary strength and tenacity while facing health challenges in recent years. Her determination to overcome adversity and continue cherishing life's moments was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her. The family will honor Norma privately. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to The American Heart Association or The Arthritis Foundation. While we mourn the loss of a remarkable mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, we also celebrate a life well-lived and the profound impact she had on all of us. Let us remember the love, wisdom, and laughter she shared with us all. Her legacy will forever endure, a testament to the power of a mother's love and the indomitable spirit of a remarkable woman. Rest in peace, sweet Nina. You will be deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts. Norma Gale Hawkins Charleston