Joann Virginia Gillespie Hawkins, 80, of Alexander, passed away Saturday, January 12, 2019 at the John F. Keever Solace Center. She was born December 17,1938 and was a lifelong resident of Buncombe County. Joann was a graduate of Leicester High School and Cecil's Business College. She retired in 1996 from the Buncombe County ASCS Office. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Joann was the daughter of the late Burgin and Dorothy Ledbetter Gillespie. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by a sister, Kay Gillespie. Joann was a loving Wife, Mother and Nana. She leaves behind her loving husband of 59 years, Wayne Hawkins; a daughter Lisa McCarson and her husband Mark and a very special granddaughter, Kayla McCarson; sisters Wilma Edmonds (Ray), Carolyn Brookshire (Jr.); brothers Conley Gillespie (Cora Jane) and Cecil Gillespie. The family would like to give special thanks to Angelita Garcia for the love and care she gave Joann. Per Joann's request no services will be held. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org