Maurice Alvin Cawn passed away on Friday, October 27, 2017, at home with his wife by his side. Following a private burial, a memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2017 at Temple Emanuel, 1129 Jefferson Road in Greensboro, with a reception following the service. Maurice was born in Charlotte, NC, on May 31, 1942, to Harry and Martha Hay Cawn.
Maurice was the “only Jewish boy” to attend Charlotte Catholic High School where he played football and was voted “Mr. Catholic High.” After graduating high school in 1960, he attended Appalachian State University for one year but said it was too cold in Boone. He completed his college education in 1964 at Belmont Abbey College. Following graduation, Maurice taught history and coached basketball and football for six years at Charlotte Catholic High. While teaching, he obtained his Master’s Degree in History at Appalachian State University.
In 1970, Maurice pursued his dream of being an attorney, attending the University of North Carolina School of Law and graduating in 1973. He served as an Assistant District Attorney in Monroe for two years before becoming the High Point Police Attorney in 1975. In 1979, Maurice married Sue, the love of his life. That same year, he became the Greensboro Police Attorney, where he worked for 32 years providing invaluable guidance and legal advice to command staff, detectives, and officers. As part of his job, he taught Constitutional Law in the Police Academy each year and provided regular legislative updates for all officers, as well as specialized legal training for supervisors. He frequently spoke at Criminal Justice conferences and provided instruction in Administrative and Personnel Law for both the North Carolina and National Internal Affairs Investigators’ Association. He taught criminal justice courses at Guilford College and area community colleges. His love of teaching was surpassed only by his love of the law. Maurice was a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the North Carolina Association of Police Attorneys, the North Carolina Police Execs, Crescent Rotary, and the Lions Club.
Maurice was known for his sense of humor, and his ability to make people laugh was a gift that he never lost. In his free time, he spent hours working at home in the yard or playing tennis with friends. A passionate UNC fan, he enjoyed relaxing at home watching football and basketball games. One of Maurice’s joys was attending his high school reunions in Charlotte. Good times, holidays and special occasions were always shared with those he loved; his love for family and friends was deep and everlasting.
Special thanks must go to the physical, occupational, and speech therapists at Camden Place who worked with Maurice and helped him regain some mobility after his stroke in 2013 and to the caregivers who have helped care for Maurice during the years after his stroke and his recent cancer diagnosis. We were fortunate to have kind and thoughtful caregivers who worked with Maurice to make him comfortable and keep him active as long as possible and who offered endless support. Also, special thanks to James Lyons, a certified fitness trainer with the Millennium Team, who worked with Maurice at the YMCA in Kernersville building his strength to keep him mobile after his stroke.
Maurice is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sue Cawn; his sister, Sue Anne Daron of Chelmsford, MA; sister, Carolyn Marvin, of Tampa, FL; brother, Sidney Cawn, of Greensboro, NC; nephew, Brent Cawn (Michelle), of Charlotte; niece, Jennifer Cassese, of Crofton, MD; nephew, Rick Hartman (Adina), of New Zealand, his sister-in-law, Linda Williams of Greensboro; nephew, David Scott Williams (Tami), of High Point; godson Brian Woods (Christina) of Summerfield; godson Ryan Williams of High Point; goddaughter, Anna Claire Tysinger of Greensboro; great nieces, Sophia, Olivia, Bella, Clara, and Arielle; great nephews, Gabe, Alex and Ryan, extended family, and many close and beloved friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Temple Emanuel, 1129 Jefferson Road, Greensboro, NC 27410; the American Cancer Society, 4-A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407; SPCA of the Triad, 3163 Hines Chapel Road, Greensboro, NC 27405 or the charity of your choice. Hanes-Lineberry, North Elm Street, is assisting the Cawn family. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com
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