Carole Kay Boyer Hawkinson

Carole Kay Boyer Hawkinson passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. She was born on December 29, 1945, in Rockford, Illinois.

Carole graduated from Wheaton College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She went on to work as an elementary school teacher, a calling that reflected her deep love for children. That love continued throughout her life and was shared in extraordinary ways, including her years as a foster parent to more than 50 children in Buncombe County during the 1990s.

She was known for her joyful spirit and for the steady encouragement she gave to others, especially to her family. Music was also an important part of her life. She enjoyed singing, loved music, and sang in the church choir for many years, until her health prevented her from attending. Carole was a longtime member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, where her faith and presence were a meaningful part of her life.

Her family was at the heart of so much that she cherished. She is survived by her children: Rick Hawkinson and his wife Tonia, Brenda Watt and her husband Johnny, Paul Hawkinson and his wife Rebecca, and Jamie Hawkinson. She is also survived by her grandchildren: McKenna, Maya, Elijah, Isaiah, Kami, Collin, Kirsten, Kaylan, Ezra, Eden, Orin, Ayla, and Tessa; and great-granddaughter, Kali. The love she gave so freely will continue to be felt through the lives of her family and all those she encouraged along the way.

Carole was preceded in death by her husband, Reginald Jostrand Hawkinson, who passed away on March 10, 1996; parents, Gerald Norton Boyer and Virginia Rose Wishart Boyer; daughter, Jinny Hawkinson; grandson, Cory; and brother, Jerry Boyer.

A Celebration of Carole's Life will be held at a later date with interment at Pisgah View Memorial Park in Candler.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carole's memory to the Black Mountain Home for Children at www.blackmountainhome.org

Carole will be remembered for her faith in Jesus Christ, her kindness, her devotion to children, her joyful heart, and the encouragement she so generously shared with others. Her life touched many, and her memory will remain a blessing to those who knew and loved her.

Anders Rice & Roper Funeral Home and Cremation Center is honored to serve Carole's family.