Mary Jane Hawkins

Mary Jane Kuhlman Hawkins, 94, of 3726 Campbell Highway, Lynchburg, Va. 24501, died Monday morning January 21, 2013, peacefully at her home. She and Allen Carlyle Hawkins (1918-1999) were married in 1942 while Allen was in the Army Air Corps. After WWII they returned to Lynchburg. They moved to Beaver Creek Farm, where Allen grew up, and took over the dairy from Allen's father. Mary Jane worked on the farm, sold and hauled firewood, kept the books, and cooked for the family and a myriad of farm workers. In the 1950s Allen sponsored the Dale Carnegie course and eventually wrote his own public speaking, human relations course. Mary Jane traveled all over the state with him helping organize and teach classes.

She was active in local organizations, PTA, Scouts, Women's Club, and many other groups, where she always held leadership positions. She was the first woman appointed to the Campbell County School Board and its first woman Chairperson, serving on that board for 16 years. She was active in Court Street Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School and serving on numerous committees.

Mary Jane maintained an active life. She played basketball at Lynchburg College before WWII. She was an accomplished tennis player and played until age 89 when she became a breast cancer survivor. She was an active swimmer.   She loved to play cards and was a regular Bridge participant.

She had many close and loving friends. Up until the end she was always a proper lady.

Mary Jane is survived by her son A. David Hawkins of Rustburg, Va, and his wife Cheryl Ford Hawkins, two grandchildren, Tracy Hawkins Vance, (her husband Sam), and Allen Ford Hawkins, and numerous great grandchildren.

Mary Jane was predeceased by her parents, Walter B. Kuhlman and Clara Bell Gamble Kuhlman.

She had the best of sitters and caregivers who truly loved her.

A graveside service will be conducted at 1:30 PM, Wednesday, January 23, 2013 in Spring Hill Cemetery with Rev. C. Douglas Pillow officiating. The family will receive friends from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM on Tuesday, January 22, 2013, at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Court Street Methodist Church, 621 Court Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg (434-237-9424) is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com or by mail to the farm at Mary Jane's above address.