Cora Hawkins Lee

ASHEBORO — Cora Idema Hawkins Lee, 87, of Asheboro died Monday, May 19, 2025, at Clapp's Convalescent Nursing Home in Asheboro.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Asheboro, with Rev. Tim Pheagin officiating.  A private burial will be held at Hawkins Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Mebane, at a later date.

Born March 14, 1938, in Alamance County, NC, Mrs. Lee was the daughter of the late Elmo Hawkins and Roselle Clayton Hawkins. 

She had retired from the NC Zoo as a food service director. Her spare time was spent painting, crocheting, sewing, wood carving and going to the beach. The most special times to her were the ones spent with her family.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Howard Lee; daughter, Susie Scott (Erik); son, Joseph Lee (Angela); sisters, Sandra Lassiter, Judy Caulder (Steve); granddaughter, Emma Scott; step-grandchildren, Scott Thompson (Christina), Mandy LaBorde; and step-great-grandson, Garrett Thompson.

The family will receive friends from 12:45-1:45 p.m. on Friday at Ridge Funeral Home prior to the funeral service.

Memorials may be made to The North Carolina Zoological Society, Inc., 4403 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205.