Charles Morris Hawes

Charlie, as he was known, was born on January 29, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Yonkers, New York by his parents, the late Mimi and Charles Hawes. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Trinity College in Hartford, CT, as well as Masters of Divinity from Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, MA before embarking on fruitful career in the clergy. Charlie served the Episcopal Church in a variety of roles and locations over many decades, enjoying his lengthiest and most fulfilling tenure serving as Chaplain leading the Episcopal Campus & Young Adult Ministries at both UNC-Greensboro’s St. Mary’s House and nearby Guilford College. Many of the students he worked with have gone on to careers in the church.

In addition to being a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, Charlie was passionate about travel, art, books, good food and ice-cold vodka martinis. He enjoyed playing¬¬–and listening to–jazz piano. Charlie was a friend and source of comfort to every person and animal he ever met. From a young age, he was deeply committed to supporting marginalized communities and individuals many overlooked.

Charlie is preceded in death by his first wife, Sheilah James Hawes. He is survived by his second wife, Faith Steverman Hawes; brother, Peter Wortham Hawes; daughter, Kelly (Robert Evans) Hawes and stepchildren: Adam (Courtney) Hils, Miriam (Stephen Matkovits) and Jeremy (Teresa) Hils and six grandchildren.

For those who wish to make a donation in Charlie’s memory, please consider St. Mary’s Episcopal Campus & Young Adult Ministries or All Saints Episcopal Church, both of Greensboro, NC. A memorial service in Greensboro is currently in the planning stages, with a specific date and location to be determined.