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Milton W. Hinton, Ed.D., distinguished educator, civic leader, and lifelong advocate for equity and justice, passed away on August 22, 2026, at the age of 99.

Milton was born on June 11, 1927, in Glassboro, New Jersey, to the late Rev. Waverly Hinton and Cora Johnson Hinton. The youngest of four sons, he grew up alongside his brothers, John, Earl, and Harley Hinton.

Education became both the foundation of Milton’s professional life and one of the primary ways he served others. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Glassboro State College and later earned his doctorate from Columbia University. His career in education began in the public schools of Glassboro and Philadelphia, where his commitment to teaching and creating opportunities for others began to take shape.

Milton’s dedication to civil rights and community service was equally profound. He served as president of the Gloucester County, New Jersey, Branch of the NAACP for 13 years and later served another eight years as president of the expanded Gloucester County Branch. His leadership reflected a deeply held belief that education, civic engagement, and organized action could bring about meaningful change.

Milton later joined Virginia State University, where he headed the Department of Special Education. It was while teaching at Virginia State that he met Betti Jenkins, the woman who would become his loving wife and lifelong companion.

In 1970, Milton and Betti moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, beginning a new chapter that would leave an enduring mark on the university and the greater Cincinnati community. At the University of Cincinnati, Milton served as a professor and chairman of the Department of Early Childhood and Special Education before becoming Vice Provost of Minority Affairs.

As one of the few tenured African American professors at the University of Cincinnati at the time, Dr. Hinton worked intentionally to increase visibility, representation, and opportunity. Through profiles published in the __Cincinnati Herald__, he introduced the broader community to the University’s African American professors. He also drew upon his national network of relationships with historically Black colleges and universities to recruit African American students and professors to the University of Cincinnati.

Following his retirement from the University of Cincinnati in 1992, Dr. Hinton’s commitment to service continued. He created the Committee of 51, a group composed of citizens from different walks of life who gathered to discuss issues affecting minority and integrated communities. His organizing efforts and dedication to civic engagement drew the attention of the Cincinnati Branch of the NAACP, whose members encouraged him to seek its presidency.

In 1994, Dr. Hinton was elected president of the Cincinnati NAACP Branch. During his three terms in office, he grew the Branch’s membership five-fold and remained an outspoken advocate for fairness, equity, and justice. During his first year as president, Cincinnati Bengals running backs coach Jim Anderson brought more than 25 Bengals players to the NAACP office to become members, a memorable demonstration of the growing reach of the organization under Dr. Hinton’s leadership.

His approach to leadership reflected the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Let’s build bridges, not walls.” Under Dr. Hinton’s leadership, the City of Cincinnati passed the NAACP’s proposed 19-point corrective action plan addressing discrimination against city workers. His diligence also extended to improving police and community relations through the Citizens Police Review Panel. He established a University of Cincinnati chapter of the NAACP and worked to strengthen its youth council, increasing opportunities for young people to assume meaningful leadership roles.

Dr. Hinton’s life was dedicated to education in its many forms. Whether standing before students in a classroom, leading within a university, organizing citizens, mentoring young people, or advocating for civil rights, he consistently answered his call to teach and serve.

In 2001, the Cincinnati Regional Chamber named Dr. Hinton a Great Living Cincinnatian, recognizing the breadth and significance of his contributions. Dr. Hinton joined Bethel Baptist Church in 1992, where he remained connected to a church community that would later recognize both him and Betti for their service and commitment to others. His life of service continued to be recognized throughout the years. In 2023, Bethel Baptist Church honored Milton and Betti Hinton at its annual Christmas Gala, recognizing them for their compassion, character, and commitment to community.

Among the many memorable moments Milton and Betti shared was the opportunity to attend an inaugural ball in Washington, D.C., following the historic 2008 election of Barack Obama as President of the United States. For a man whose life’s work had been so deeply rooted in education, civil rights, equality, and creating opportunities for generations to come, witnessing that historic moment was especially significant.

As an educator, civic leader, civil rights advocate, husband, and father, Dr. Hinton lived the values he spent a lifetime teaching.

Beyond his many titles, accomplishments, and years of public service was Milton the husband, father, grandfather, relative, friend, and neighbor. The homes Milton and Betti shared on Leyman Drive and Bishop Street were filled with joy, laughter, and love. Milton enjoyed fishing and took great pleasure in sharing his catch with family and friends. Each October, those friendships and good times came together during his annual fish fry, where the fish he had caught throughout the year were shared and enjoyed by those whose company meant so much to him.

Dr. Hinton was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Waverly Hinton and Cora Johnson Hinton, and his brothers, John, Earl, and Harley Hinton.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Betti Hinton; son, Milton Hinton Jr.; daughter, Milbeth Allen (Delano); granddaughters, Nia and Kayla Hinton; cousin, Roberta Scott; sisters-in-law, Delories Brooks (James), Barbara Baker, Keretha Whitfield, and Carolyn Washington; brothers-in-law, John Jenkins III and Alton Coley Jenkins (Terri); and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, colleagues, former students, and countless others whose lives were touched by his leadership and service.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 9:30 am until 11:30 am, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Bethel Baptist Church, 2712 Alms Place, Cincinnati (45206). Fraternity Service from 9:30 until 10:00 a.m. The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 12:00 pm. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind.

Committal Service with full Military Honors will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, 4521 Spring Grove Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45232

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Hinton family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Hinton family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.