Wilma Martin Hawkins, age 85, died Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at Hospice Wendover. Born in Buncombe County on February 18, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Frank Orville and Mabel Reavis Martin. Wilma was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. In Greensboro, Wilma was an active member of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. She was a Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, and WMU director. Wilma went on Mission trips to Haiti and Africa where they helped build wells for the communities. She worked as a cook for several churches in Greensboro and for the daycare at UNC-G. Wilma loved to read, cook and entertain guests. In addition to her parents, Wilma is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Wesley Hawkins; five brothers and one sister.

Wilma is survived by  a daughter, Pam Alexander and husband Robert of Shelby; three grandchildren, Clint Smith and wife Anna of Greensboro, Kristi VanBuren and husband Mark of Shelby, and Jonathan Smith and wife Kimberly of Thomasville; nine great-grandchildren, Andrea, Joshua, Emma,, Alan and Tiffany VanBuren; Jordan, Sophie, Ava, and  Maddie Smith.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 30, 2014, at 3:30 pm in the chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory with Rev. Mark VanBuren officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 pm until 3:30 pm thirty minutes before the service. Burial will be held on Monday, June 2, 2014  at 2:00 pm at the National Veterans Cemetery in Salisbury, NC.

Memorials can be made to The Well of Shelby, 335 East College Ave, Shelby, NC 28152.

 Cecil M Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Hawkins.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com