Meta Carolina Gerdes Hawes

Nakina: Meta Carolina Gerdes Hawes born on November 18, 1927 in Carolinensiel, Germany, peacefully passed away on Monday, January 1, 2018.  She was the daughter of the late Margaretha Classen Gerdes and the late Emil Theodore Gerdes, and wife of the late Carson Humphrey Hawes of Nakina.  She was preceded in death by two sons-in-law, Steve Smith of Ash and John Gore of Whiteville.
As the oldest World War II war bride in Columbus County, she came to America in 1948 following the end of the war with her husband who was a U.S. Army Sergeant stationed in Germany.  She was a member of Bethesda United Methodist Church for over 60 years, and became an active member of the Woman’s Society.  After retiring from WA-Blue Jeans Company, she became a member of the R.S.V.P. Joy Messengers at Southeastern Community College.  As a member of the Joy Messengers, she went to rest homes to sing, visit and pray with residents and staff.  Later she volunteered in Whiteville City Schools and Columbus County schools helping children learn to read and working with them to improve their comprehension skills through computer use.  She loved working with the children, and it was a great enjoyment to her.  Additionally, she provided educational lectures at West Brunswick High School in Shallotte describing her time in Germany during the war, explaining what happened, where she lived and the fear that war brings.
Meta was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother.  She had four daughters: Dorothy H. Gore of Whiteville, Betty H. Hill of Wilmington, Hilda H. Smith Black (Jerry) of Ash and Judy H. Gore (Danny) of Shallotte.  She had eight grandchildren: Dean Hill, Scott Gore, Natasha Robinson, Eric Gore, Wendy Hammond, Ashli Basily, Alex Smith and Ryan Gore.  She also had nine great grandchildren: Aaron Robinson, Caroline Gore, Hailey Gore, Alyssa Robinson, Jessica Hill, Samantha Hammond, Tyler Hammond, Kaitlyn Gore and Asher Basily.  She was the great-great grandmother of two: Adley and Preston Robinson.
Visitation will be from 1 PM to 1:45 PM at McKenzie Mortuary in Whiteville on Friday, January 5th.  The funeral services will commence immediately following beginning at 2 PM,  with burial following  at the  Bethesda United Methodist Church Cemetery in Nakina with Pastor Chip Hannah officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice – Angel House Hospice Care Center, 206 Warrior Trail Road, Whiteville, NC 28472, (910) 642-9051.

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