Lillian Charlotte Edwards Hawkins

Lillian Charlotte Edwards Hawkins, known to family and friends as Charlie, 86, of Butler, Georgia, passed away on Monday, September 14, 2026. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Butler Memorial Cemetery.

Charlie was born in Butler on December 30, 1939, to the late Julian Willis Edwards and Lillian Brown Edwards. She graduated from Butler High School and attended Brenau College. Although Georgia remained an important part of her life and she eventually returned to Butler, Charlie would also come to love South Carolina, which became her home for many years.

Charlie had a creative spirit. She was a talented artist who painted in both acrylics and oils as a hobby in the earlier years of her life. She also developed a lifelong love of gardening and took pleasure in creating beauty around her.

Her professional life took her in several interesting directions. In the 1970s, Charlie was a member of Jimmy Carter's Peanut Brigade and later served on the Reynolds, Georgia City Council. Her interest in public service continued in the years that followed, when she became a member of the staffs of Georgia Governors Joe Frank Harris and Zell Miller. She also worked at the Atlanta Merchandise Mart.

Charlie maintained a connection with Jimmy Carter beyond his political career. She worked with Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter through Habitat for Humanity, an experience that was especially meaningful to her and reflected her belief in helping others and giving back to her community.

In the 1980s, Charlie met professional football player Alex Hawkins, and their relationship began a new and memorable chapter in her life. They married in the 1990s and eventually made South Carolina their home. Charlie came to love South Carolina and its people while always maintaining a deep affection for her native Georgia.

Charlie and Alex shared a love of football, cooking, entertaining, and good stories. Their shared interests eventually led them to write a cookbook together, Cookin' with Cocky: A Collection of University of South Carolina Football Stories and Tailgating Recipes. The book combined Alex's stories and experiences from his football career with Charlie's love of cooking and her appreciation for the traditions surrounding college football and tailgating.

Charlie also had a special love for animals. Her beloved Bichon Frisé, Precious, was a cherished companion and an important part of her life.

Alex Hawkins predeceased Charlie, as did her son, Henry Harrison “Ricky” Kyle, and her brother, Julian Ward Edwards.

She is survived by her sons, Scott Edwards Kyle of Austin, Texas, and Stuart Edwards Whatley of Butler, Georgia; her grandchildren, Justin, Hannah, Maddie (Kyle), Olivia, and George; her brother, Sonny Edwards (Martha Ruth) of Butler, Georgia; her beloved dog, Precious; two nieces, one nephew, and two dear friends, Debbie Faulk and Linda Derrick.

Charlie lived a life filled with experiences that took her far beyond her small hometown in Georgia. But perhaps her greatest legacy is much simpler: she cared about people. She was generous with what she had, generous with her time, and generous with her heart. The people who knew Charlie will remember her not only for the remarkable things she did, but for the warmth, kindness, stories, laughter, and love she brought into their lives.

She will be deeply missed.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.