Margaret Louise Hawkins
Margaret Louise Costanzo Hawkins
June 13, 1920 – March 28, 2026
Margaret Louise Costanzo Hawkins, 105, of Chatham, VA passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Born on June 13, 1920 at Ashcamp, Pike County, Kentucky
to Saverio Costanzo and Rutha Pearl Fields, Margaret lived a life of remarkable purpose, quiet strength, and deep devotion to her family.
A proud graduate of Hellier High School, where she earned the distinction of class valedictorian, Margaret showed early on that she was a woman of exceptional character
and determination — a truth that would define her throughout her long life. During World War II, she answered her country’s call, joining the ranks of the women who kept America’s industry running. Working at General Motors, she served as a seamstress of canvas fuselages, proudly counting herself among the generation of women forever honored as Rosie the Riveters.
A woman of Baptist faith, Margaret found equal joy in her kitchen and her family. For decades, she was the heart of every family celebration, lovingly baking elaborate birthday cakes that brought generations together around the table.
Those fortunate enough to know Margaret well were gifted with something rare: her full and patient attention. She was known as a kind and generous listener; the sort of person who made you feel truly heard. Those who knew her well also cherished the legendary late-night conversations she shared with her sister Mary whenever family visited from Michigan. The two would talk through the night, and for those willing to stay up long enough to listen in, it was the surest way to learn what was truly happening in the family. And for those closest to her, they were also treated to her warm, wry, and delightfully sarcastic sense of humor — a side of her that made her beloved company and left behind some of the fondest memories her family will always treasure.
Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Creed Willard Hawkins; her parents, Saverio Costanzo and Rutha Pearl Fields; her siblings, Mary Elizabeth Costanzo Craig, Norsie Costanzo Coyle, Lillian Theo Costanzo, Bobby Lee Costanzo, and Giovanni Costanzo; her stepson, Harold Blake Hawkins; her daughter-in-law, Barbara Gibbard Hawkins; and her sons-in-law, Robert Whittaker and Archie Murphy, Jr.
She is survived by her children, Johnny Hawkins, James Hawkins, Elizabeth Hawkins Whittaker, Jerry Dale Hawkins (Mary Sue), and Sherri Louise Hawkins Murphy; her
step-daughter-in-law, Lola Hawkins; her grandchildren, Brian Hawkins (Kim), Beth Borror Cope, David T. Hawkins (Julie), Montgomery Borror, J. Todd Hawkins, Shannon
Murphy Barker (Peter), and Sara Murphy; her step-grandsons, David B. Hawkins (Pam) and Michael Creed Hawkins (Maria); three great-grandchildren; two great-great
grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; six step-great-great-grandchildren; and one step-great-great-great-grandchild.
Margaret Louise Costanzo Hawkins leaves behind a legacy as rich and layered as the woman herself — 105 years of grace, grit, laughter, and love. She will be profoundly
missed and forever cherished.
In lieu of flowers you may make donations to Children’s Christian Bible Camp, PO Box
17, Chatham VA 24531; God’s Pit Crew, 2499 N. Main
Street, Danville VA 24540, or a charity of your choice.
Service Information
Visitation | Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 11:30 AM
Funeral Service | Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 1:00 PM
Norris Funeral Services West End Chapel
511 Church Ave., Danville, VA 24541
Interment | Danville Memorial Gardens
