Shirley Hawkins Duckworth

Shirley Hawkins Duckworth, 83, of Wilmington, formerly of Morganton, went gently into the arms of the Lord May 4, 2021. Shirley was born in Morganton on October 8, 1937 to the late Paul Erwin Hawkins and Alma Louise Engle Hawkins. She grew up in Morganton and church was an important part of her life. Shirley loved music and one of her proudest accomplishments was singing in the adult choir at church with her father when she was a girl. She met and married Charlie Duckworth in Morganton.  Together they raised their two children and made a home where Shirley could be found tending her yard. She and Charlie were devoted grandparents and would pack a bag and be on the road to help out whenever they were needed.  Her children often wondered if they had pre-packed bags ready to go in case, they got a call.  She lived in Morganton until 2017 when she moved to Wilmington to be closer to her children. She moved next door to Michael, Tara, and Anna and saw them daily. Shirley loved telling grandchildren stories about growing up and playing games together.

In addition to her parents Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Duckworth; and brother, Johnny Hawkins.

Shirley is survived by her son, Michael, his wife, Tara and granddaughter, Anna; and her daughter, Melissa and grandchildren, Jemima and Jeremy. She is also survived by her sisters, Becky Hawkins and Patti Brown; niece, Rhonda Duncan, and her husband, Keith; and nephew, Tony Hawkins.

A graveside services will be held Friday, May 7, 2021 at 2pm at Burke Memorial Park with the Reverend L. Elaine Hall of St. Matthews United Methodist Church of Morganton, NC.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.