CRAMERTON, NC ~ Mrs. Nancy Carolyn Hudson Hawfield, age 81, entered into her eternal rest on the evening of Thursday, January 27, 2022, at Lincolnton Rehabilitation Center in Lincolnton, NC. She was born July 21, 1940, in Lancaster, the daughter of the late Sam Howard Hudson and Annie Louise Connor Hudson and was the wife of the late William "Bill" Karl Hawfield. Carolyn graduated from Winthrop University in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Shortly after her college graduation, she married her high school sweetheart and only love, Bill. They lived in Clemson, SC while Bill finished college and Carolyn taught school.

Bill and Carolyn lived in Charlotte, NC in the early days of their marriage and here their only child, Inga, was born in 1968. They moved to Georgia with Bill's career in textile chemistry but longed to be back in South Carolina with family. Carolyn adored her aunts, uncles, and cousins who all lived in close proximity in the Riverside community in Lancaster. Her sister-in-law, Dianne was more of a true sister to Carolyn. In 1982, Carolyn completed a Master of Elementary Education degree while working as a teacher. This was an incredible lesson to her daughter that the love and support of family can help one reach seemingly impossible goals. Carolyn retired from the Fort Mill school system after many years of service as an elementary teacher. Her teacher friends were such an important part of her life. She loved her flower gardens, watching birds, reading books to children, spending time at the beach and in the mountains with family, and caring for her grandchildren. All that knew her remember her beautiful smile and laugh, her welcoming hugs, her caring spirit, and her extreme selflessness. She was a beautiful soul who leaves a legacy of care and protection of others.

Carolyn is survived by her only child, a daughter, Inga Kish; her son-in-law, Larry Kish; grandchildren, Hayden Kish, Lydia Kish, and Connor Kish; her sister-in-law, Dianne Hawfield; and many very special cousins.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Hawfield; and her parents.

The Celebration of Life Service for Carolyn will be 3:00 pm Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at The Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home officiated by Rev. Deacon Martha Richard. Burial will follow at Old Waxhaw Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 3:00 pm, one hour prior to the service, at Burgess Funeral Home. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and Palmetto Literacy Program.