Annette Faulkner Hocutt

Annette Faulkner Hocutt, 86, of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

A memorial service to honor Annette’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 16th at Parkview Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. John Carswell. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Annette was born on November 16, 1938, to the late Sam and Jeanette Stapleford. Growing up in Kinston, NC, Annette graduated from Grainger High School with the Class of 1957, where she was well known for her beautiful voice and impressive solo performances.

In pursuit of her desire to become a nurse, Annette enrolled in the School of Nursing at Lenoir Memorial Hospital. The school originally began in the mid 1920’s, but later dissolved. Annette was proud to be in the first graduating class when the school reopened in 1957, a milestone that remained close to her heart.

After graduating as a registered nurse, Annette continued to work at Lenoir Memorial Hospital in the Operating Room along with her many other nursing responsibilities. Years later, Annette joined the staff at the Lenoir County Health Department in Kinston under the leadership of Ms. Chris Maroules, her mentor and friend. She loved every aspect of nursing in this capacity, from Tuberculosis testing, x-rays, tracking and record keeping to home visits, Annette excelled. She received awards, accolades, and recognition for her expertise and service. Annette received the award for the Outstanding Tuberculosis Nurse of Eastern North Carolina. Ms. Maroules stated just recently that, “Annette was one of the early nurses in North Carolina, and the best in Eastern North Carolina”.

The coast always held a special place in Annette's heart. From an early age Annette and her family began visiting Atlantic Beach where they enjoyed many memorable times. In later years, she settled in Atlantic Beach and built a beautiful home on the Sound, which became a cherished gathering place for family and friends.

A devoted follower of her faith, Annette loved the Lord, which was evident in every aspect of her life. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Kinston, where her family attended. Upon moving to the coast, she became an active member at Parkview Baptist Church. She rarely missed church services, including Sunday School and Wednesday night services. Always caring for others, she faithfully helped with the benevolent ministry and kept busy in the church kitchen to help whenever needed. Each year, Annette looked forward to the Fall Festival where she enjoyed the children and shared her chocolate eclair cake.

Annette valued relationships and had a unique ability to connect with everyone she met, creating solid, lifelong friendships. Her close-knit group of friends, of over 30 years, met for lunch every Saturday.

Annette married James Wooten Faulkner in 1960, and they were blessed with a son, James Scott Faulkner. Their family grew when Scott married Elizabeth and they gave them a wonderful grandson, James Alexander Faulkner, who all reside in Kinston, NC.

After James passed away, Annette was blessed with love a second time and married the late Gary Kent Hocutt in 2016. Her family grew again to include her step-daughter, Iva Hocutt Fearing and husband Tatnal of Newport, NC; step-sons, Cary Clyde Hocutt and wife Kim of Bogue, NC and Richard Alvin Hocutt and wife Cindy of Newport, NC; step-grandchildren, Kent Hocutt, Parker Hocutt, Totty Hocutt, Bo Fearing, Nathan Mejia, and Meagan Mejia; and step-great-grandchildren, Caden Hocutt and Autumn Hocutt.

Annette is also survived by her sister, Rena Ray McLawhorn and husband David of New Bern, NC; brother, Samuel Thomas Stapleford and wife Danese of Nashville, NC; niece, Tamara Quarles and husband Blair of Raleigh, NC; great niece, Tessa Quarles; cousin, Lionel Stapleford; and of course we can’t forget Annette’s cuddly cat, Emily.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkview Baptist Church, 4738 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.