Carol Ann Hawkins

On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Carol Ann (Kornberger) Hawkins was called to eternal glory with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Carol was born to Peter and Elsa (Stanke) Kornberger in Detroit, MI on November 27, 1940. She was brought to new life in Christ through the waters of Holy Baptism at St. Paul Lutheran Church also in Detroit on December 15, 1940. She confirmed this faith bestowed upon her at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, East Detroit (Eastpointe), MI through the rite of Confirmation on June 6, 1954. Carol is loved, missed, and survived by children, Carrie & Paul Appold, James & Dianne (Fintor) Hawkins; grandchildren, Elise (Appold) & Trevor Bozich, Travis & Rachel (Johnson) Appold, Shelbi Hawkins, Rachel Appold, Hayleigh (Hawkins) & Sherman Pruett, and Caroline Appold; great-grandchildren, Alice, Joanna, Peter and Emma Bozich and Kayson Eugene Hawkins; her sisters, Sandra & Gerald Dreslinski and Kathleen Pierson; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and some special friends she thought of as family. Carol was preceded in death by her parents; husband Garry Eugene Hawkins; siblings Sally & Lee Palmer, Francis & Florence (Schutz) Hawkins; and grandson Luke Daniel Appold.

Visitation with the family will be held on Monday, April 28 from 4-8pm at A. H. Peters Funeral Home 32000 Schoenherr Rd., Warren, MI 48088 and again at 10am on Tuesday, April 29 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 23000 Gratiot, Eastpointe, MI 48021. Funeral service will follow at St. Peter’s at 11am, followed by christian burial in the St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Carol will be remembered by many, and yet like a jewel is faceted to show many sides of beauty, Carol too had many sides which touched others, each in their own way. As a mother who gave of herself, a grandmother who showered her grandchildren with love, gifts, and East Detroit Bakery donuts, and a great-grandma who delighted in the squeals and cuddles of the youngest generation (as long as they weren’t teasing her with feathers).

Carol was a proud big sister to Sally, Sandy, and Kathy. ‘The girls’ had struggles in life, but God used that to tightly bind them together. Carol & Garry didn’t exactly know what newlywed life would be like with 3 sisters joining them, but they jumped in, knowing they were called to do just that.

Carol was the quieter half of Carol & Garry, high school sweethearts and members of the East Detroit High School choir. They lived as a unit; it was always Carol & Garry. After dating most of a decade, they were married on June 27, 1965, at St. Peter’s and almost made it to their 50th wedding anniversary. Family, church, music, and travel filled most of those years.

Carol Ann was loved and adored by her extended family. Whether you called her cousin, aunt, or something else, you have memories to share. Most of them included parties, food, or her singing at your wedding. She was a hostess and caregiver. Perhaps she helped plan a shower for or with you, came alongside you to help when there was a new baby, or just drove you to or from the airport. She was always ready to help.

Carol was a Lutheran School teacher and an even longer substitute. Her students from many area schools will remember her discipline and storytelling. She was the best teacher for long division. In Sunday School, VBS, and Midweek classes she taught the Bible lessons with joy, Martin Luther history like she was a close friend, and the dangers of rock and roll music. Quite a few students will recall her as a confidant and mentor, and as an adult who was present for them in difficult times.

Carol was gifted with a beautiful voice. She trained with the Detroit Opera House as a young woman and had great admiration for those who encouraged her; especially Mr. Zeddies, Ms. Manos, and Dr. Bunjes at Concordia River Forest. Carol used her voice to serve her Lord as a choir member at St. Peter’s for most her life. Carol & Garry both appreciated classical music which led them to ushering at Orchestra Hall throughout the 80’s and 90’s. This became a family activity and brought both culture and revelry to our lives.

The other facets of Carol bring to light her hobbies and activities. Her great love for organ music and classical pianists. Her dedication to the sanctity of life and volunteer work with Compassion Pregnancy. The fellowship and devotion to others that she showed as an Aid Association to Lutherans (AAL) and later a Thrivent congregational liaison. Her fascination with Star Trek, science fiction, and time travel (could there really be aliens and vampires?). The endless hours she spent crocheting, especially baby blankets, sweater sets, and those special few stuffed animals. The countless cookbooks and time spent in her kitchen. The hundreds of elephants she purchased or was given, started with the one from Garry on a date. Her inability to pass a garage sale or flea market. Her finesse used to plan, promote and decorate the best class reunions. Her joy and dedication in sending cards, hundreds of Christmas cards each year and birthday and holiday cards sent every month to the children she held so dear – most with dollar bills and stickers.

Finally, Carol’s deepest love was for Jesus. Her Lutheran faith kept her firmly grounded until her final days as we sang hymns, said prayers, and read God’s Word. Her response was always evident, and we praise God that He sustained her in this life and promises her eternal life in Heaven. All glory be to God alone!