50-Year-Reunion

Rhonda Leffel Hawkins 4011 Tallwood Drive, Greensboro, North Carolina 27410 rfhawk57@gmail.com (304) 320 - 3549 October 18

1975 – April I was unsure of my career path , so I went to the guidance counselor and she handed me a big book of careers to choose from. Most nurses know they want to be a nurse at an early age but that wasn't my case! I applied to BSC and was accepted into their fall Nursing program. I can honestly say, I loved my studies and career path from early on. 1977 - May I graduated with honors from nursing and was hired at Princeton Community Hospital. I worked in the orthopedic/ med - surgical unit for 42 years. I had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Raub, Dr. Belcher, Dr.Branson and Dr. Morgan. It was sometimes challenging, but always rewarding to see patients recover from their injury or surgery. I retired in July, 2019 at the age of sixty - one. 1979 - I married my high school sweetheart, Eric O'Conner Hawkins on March 17. We recently celebrated our forty - sixth wedding anniversary. Although our career paths could have taken us to other states, we chose to stay in Bluefield near our families. We were fortunate to be able to provide care to my mother, Eric's parents and my sister, prior to their passing. It has provided us great satisfaction to have those memories. 1983 - The birth of my first born, Ryan O ’ Conner Hawkins. I always thought the marriage to Eric couldn't be topped , but, boy the joy of motherhood is by far my greatest accomplishment. Ryan remains in the Beckley area and works as a Rad Tech at Raleigh General Hospital. He is very passionate about his job and is a kind - hearted soul. 1986 - The second born, strong - willed son, Joshua Benton Hawkins lives in Greensboro, North Carolina with his wife, Stephanie Green Hawkins who is the daughter of Barbra Pruett and Wayne Green. He also pursued a nursing career and is a traveling CRNA.

102