Stephen Andrew Hawkins

Stephen Andrew Hawkins, 28, of Cove City passed away on April 16th, 2022. Stephen is survived by his parents, John Carroll Hawkins (Amy) of Cove City, NC and Kellie Wiggins Kiser (Tom) of New Bern, NC; his sister Leslie Hawkins (Colbey) of New Bern, NC; his step-brother, Grant James of Starkville, MS; step-sister Emily Whitehead (Jake) of Odenton, MD; step-brother Justin Kiser (Kerry) of Holly Springs, NC; step-brother Jackson Kiser of Jacksonville, NC; his girlfriend, Ali Knight of Cove City, NC; maternal Grandparents, Wiley and Barbara Avery of Cove City, NC; paternal Grandmother, Elinor Hawkins of Cove City, NC; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Stephen is preceded in death by his paternal Grandfather, Carroll Hawkins; maternal Grandfather, Kenneth Wiggins; and his Aunt, Sherry Mitchell.

Stephen was born on January 6th, 1994 into a loving family who had long anticipated his arrival. Stephen was the first and only grandson. When he was young, he was known to be an adventurous and spirited child. Stephen loved his family and though he faced many trials in such a short time, he found himself on a mountain of love and grace.

Stephen’s hero was his Grandpa Carroll with whom he spent much time and learned many of life’s lessons - amongst them, the appreciation of a good meal. Their best times often involved a Carolina ballgame and eating oysters and crab legs.

Stephen was a natural athlete. He began with a love of baseball, learning to throw in the backyard with his dad. A game introduced to him as a child taught him about life, and gave him one of his best friends, Will Sutton. Stephen played on many baseball teams over the course of his life including Cove City, in the New Bern Sunday School League; the Carolina Sting and Aces AAU teams; New Bern Babe Ruth; New Bern Junior and Senior Legion; HJ McDonald; New Bern High School; and the Carolina Cubs showcase team. Stephen loved sports, both on and off the field. It was not uncommon to hear him cheering, very loudly, for his favorite teams - the Boston Red Sox, UNC Tarheels, and the Green Bay Packers.

Stephen’s life was filled with more than sports, he found himself being called to serve others and followed the calling to Central America serving on mission trips and sharing his love for God. He was known to have a huge heart, a smile that lit up every room, and for giving the best hugs.

Nearly every day after school or practice, Stephen would go over to his “second home” with the Mitchell family for a visit. Over the years, our families bonded together. Stephen often referred to Mitch and Catherine as his brother and sister.

In recent years, Stephen developed a love of the outdoors, especially gardening. When he moved to his home in Cove City, Stephen often found himself learning from his Grandpa Wiley and Grandma Barbara. He loved his time with them and enjoyed competing with them to see who had the best lawn.

He was a supportive and loving big brother to his sister, Leslie and eager to help anyone who needed him. He had a servant’s heart and showed it often to his mother and father. Stephen had a large extended family that he embraced with open arms.

Many people outside of his family had a profound impact on his life. We would like to thank the Mitchell family, Sutton family, McCoy family, Gannon family, Lou Knapp, and Laura Keys for their unwavering love and support of Stephen over the course of his life. We appreciate all those who have shown their love for Stephen through word and action since his passing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Core Creek FWB Church (PO Box 154 , Cove City, NC 28523), all funds collected will be donated to the exceptional children’s program at New Bern High School.

Arrangements for Stephen’s funeral have been made through Cotten Funeral Home in New Bern, NC. A time of visitation will be held at Core Creek FWB Church at 210 Trenton Road, Cove City, North Carolina on Sunday, April 24th, 2022 at 2:00pm with a service in celebration of Stephen’s life following at 3:00pm. The burial will be held immediately following the service at the Cove City Cemetery.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Stephen Andrew Hawkins.