Frances Moorman Hawkins
1934 - 2025
Frances Moorman Hawkins, of Winston-Salem, NC, slipped quietly into heaven in the wee hours of the morning on Friday December 19th. She was 91 years young.
Frances (Fran) was born in Kilmarnock, VA, March 19, 1934. She and her sister, Dixie, were the pride and joy of their parents, Dr. E. Richard and Hazel Moorman.
Fran attended Mary Washington College and went on to complete her BSN degree in nursing from the University of Virginia, Class of 1956. She married Stimp Hawkins in December of 1956 and together they had four children.
Fran loved the years they spent at Blue Ridge School (1962-1968), a preparatory school for boys, in Dyke, VA. She was the head nurse in their infirmary and Stimp was the Athletic Director. They both treated the students like they were their own, building relationships that carried on way beyond graduation.
In 1973, they moved to Winston-Salem and Fran continued her nursing career at Baptist Hospital and later at Charter Mandala. Fran took on the role of being a minister’s wife with her love for God’s people in a wonderful way and served with an open heart. Her home was a haven to many: the doors were always open, and at her table you could always find a seat. And if someone needed a place to land for a while, there was always an extra bed for a day, a month, sometimes for a summer. Her spirit was infectious and when her arms went around you in a warm hug, you knew you were safe, and that you were loved.
Fran had a passion for the outdoors and it was in nature she felt the most alive. Summer camping trips to western North Carolina with her family, and girls hiking trips in the Smokey Mountains, were the highlights of her year. Several summers she traveled out west to service hiking trails with the Sierra Club. She had an adventurous spirit and never seemed afraid of anything, including a bear that came into our camp site! She just banged pots together and shooed that bear on its way!!!
Fran served for many years at the Samaritan Soup Kitchen in Winston-Salem where she always met the guests as though they were her friends. She volunteered at the Centenary Methodist Church Day Timers program, caring for folks struggling with aging. She was involved in so many things that it is difficult to list them all.
Fran loved life, she loved people, she loved to laugh and make a difference. She was a faithful servant to her Lord and Savior, from whom she gained all her strength.
Fran was preceded in death by her parents and her only sister, Dixie. Fran will be lovingly remembered by her four children, Karen Hawkins Marsh (Steve), Richard Stimson Hawkins, Patricia Hawkins Dutcher and James Leigh Hawkins (Audra)
Affectionally known as Grandmommy, she will be forever remembered by her grandchildren, Hannah Leigh Marsh, Stephen Roy Marsh, William Sam Marsh(Clare), Nathan McBride Marsh, James Garrett Hawkins, Franklin Leigh Hawkins, Eliza Stimson Dutcher, Rachel Bell Dutcher, James Leigh Hawkins,III, and Christopher Gibson Hawkins.
Fran’s memory will also be cherished by her nieces and nephews, her many friends, and the many children she ‘adopted’ along the way.
Please join her family for the celebration of her life. The celebration will be held on January 10th, 2026, at 4pm at Fran’s church, Highland Presbyterian. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial be made to Highland Presbyterian Church of Winston-Salem, the Humane Society, or to the Sierra Club.
In loving memory of a wonderful friend ,cousin from long ago. Did not see Frances often,but left special memories of days ago.
Rest well dear one,you have earned all your rewards.
Fran’s love was generous, embracing, and filled with sunshine. I met the Hawkins while in college, and did an internship with Stimp. That summer, while pursuing more inner city ministry, I was invited to live with the Hawkins family and met the whole gang. I vividly remember each morning sitting around the breakfast table, sipping coffee, sharing stories, dreams, and tender places of the heart. Fran loved me like I was part of the family. As Fran asked questions adding her playful banter, I remember feeling as if my life was becoming Technicolor arising from her fierce love that penetrated my heart. That summer I joined the family camping and inner tubing, and Fran held it all together with wit, style, and appearing ease. Fran’s acceptance and deep embrace imprinted me and she will always hold a treasured place in the castle of my heart. Fran, you live forever, in our hearts!
I grew up in First Presbyterian Church and was a youth group member during the 70’s . Fran came as close to a second mother figure as possible and the most influential lady in the church to me. The entire Hawkins family has impacted my life-as they have with so many others- and Fran shone as a beautiful, smiling, loving friend and leader. Fran could recieve a confidence from a pig-tailed 7th grader with gravity and love.
She was a beacon. She was a shining example. She is unforgettable and I am blessed she lives on in her children and grandchildren. Love you Fran.
Fran was a long-time and devoted member of our local Foothills Group of Sierra Club. She was an enthusiastic hiker and had a deep appreciation for our natural world. Her adventurous spirit led her to go on several backpacking/ service trips out west, with the national Sierra Club. By her example, she encouraged us to get outside and enjoy nature in camaraderie with others, and to pursue our own adventures. Back in the 1980’s, she encouraged me to get involved in Sierra Club, for which I am grateful, as it has been a great experience. For several years, she hosted our Foothills planning meetings at her home with her characteristic, gracious hospitality and good cheer, also taking an active role in our annual fund-raising yard sale. A hallmark of her participation was her genuine interest in others, wanting to know what was happening in our lives, putting others at ease with her infectious sense of humor and refreshing honesty. Her legacy is one of caring for others, generous hospitality, and creating a joyful spirit of community. Fran will be greatly missed!