Ann Hawkins

Ann (Baughman) Hawkins Merry Hill - Marylann "Ann" Baughman Hawkins, of Black Rock in Merry Hill, NC, and formally of Elizabeth City, NC, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, after a brief and unexpected illness. Ann is survived by her best friend and husband of 69 years, Dorsey O. Hawkins; a daughter, Debby Hawkins Horton (Frank) of Raleigh; grandchildren, Natalie Jenkins Peel (John) of Elizabeth City, Zach Dean Horton (Hannah), and Eric Joseph Horton (Brooke), both of Raleigh; great-grandchildren, Ann-Margaret, John, and Betsy Peel of Elizabeth City; Theo, Lyla, Dean, and Reid Horton of Raleigh who all affectionately called her, "Ma." She is also survived by her sister, Mary Suzanne "Sue" Conner, and many close and loving family, friends, and neighbors. Ann was predeceased by two daughters, Betsy and Bonnie; two grandchildren, Leland and Grace; and a sister, Pamela Kingsbury. Ann was born at "Gayfield" in Layhill, MD. She liked to call herself a "farm girl." Ann and Dorsey were high school sweethearts and moved to NC in 1973. They spent much of their time on their beloved Ocracoke Island, fishing and establishing lifelong friendships on the island. Ann was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and neighbor. She was passionately involved with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life in Elizabeth City, chairing the event for years. Upon their move to Black Rock, she volunteered for many hours with her ladies at Edenton Primetime Retirement Center. In the last decade of her life, she and Dorsey found comfort and made many important relationships through Edenton Baptist Church. Ann was the life of the party; her bright blue eyes could light up any room, and her laughter was truly contagious. She had a playful spirit and a quick wit, never missing the chance to share a story or deliver a perfectly timed joke. Ann especially delighted in telling a slightly mischievous, off-color joke that would leave everyone laughing and shaking their heads. Her humor, warmth, and ability to bring joy to any gathering are memories her family will cherish forever. A service to celebrate Ann's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Edenton Baptist Church, with a gathering of friends and family afterwards in their fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Ann with a donation to Edenton Baptist Church's Legacy of the Dome Endowment Fund. Memorials can be mailed to 200 S. Granville Street, Edenton, NC 27932 or online at https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/656562. Please put "Legacy of the Dome Endowment Fund" in the memo. Twiford Funeral Homes, 405 E. Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC, is serving the Hawkins Family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.