Mrs. Doris Jean Hinton

The heavenly gates opened up for Mrs. Doris Jean (Atwater) Hinton on Saturday, August 21, 2021while in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family. Doris was born on April 16, 1939 from the holy union of Jeff Atwater and Leora May Atwater in Jackson, Tennessee. Her parents moved to Saginaw, Michigan when Doris was only 3 years old. Both parents preceded her in death. Doris was educated in the Saginaw Public School System and earned her diploma from Saginaw High School in 1957. She married her high school sweetheart John Lewis Hinton on October 10, 1959. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters, Carla Denise Hinton and Rhonda Michelle Hinton Mathis. She continued her education by earning certification(s) in the field Key-Punch Operator. Also, Doris and John were a major influence in the life of a special niece, Beatrice Erwin King. Doris was a loyal and faithful member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church for over 75 years where she served faithfully. Before COVID, Doris dedicated her time decorating numerous Christmas trees for the church lobby areas in honor of her daughter Rhonda Hinton Mathis. Doris was very active in numerous ministries within Bethel AME Church. She was extremely proud when she co-chaired Women’s Day with Alberta Pruitt and they set the record for raising the most money for Women’s Day. Doris was recently awarded Emeritus Status from Stewardess Board #3 where she originally served with her mother. As a Class Leader, Doris earned the Class Leader of the Year Award, she received Perfect Attendance Awards and awards for submitting required reports on time. Doris volunteered to serve in the kitchen for all Class Leader functions and celebrations. Doris was gifted with a plaque and given Emeritus Status from her duties as a Class Leader. Before her illness, Doris was a very active member of the Saginaw Birthday Club. One of the exceptional qualities that made Doris distinctive was she became the surrogate mother to grandkids, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Doris was also an enthusiastic fundraiser for her grandkids, great-grandkids and her godson. She would devote her time making homemade chocolates and pecan turtles’ candies to sell, she was extraordinary in selling raffle tickets and she worked tirelessly to obtain program ads in support of all their programs. When her kids were involved in; The People-to-People International Student Program, Gamma Kappa Kudos or the Young People’s King/Queen Contests at Bethel, Doris would raise top money. She would commit her time to each one. After 31 years of dedicated service, Doris retired from EAG Financial Department of North American Operations of General Motors Corporation in Pontiac, Michigan. Doris established a second career as a passionate travel agent. Throughout the years, Doris worked with Morley Travel and Carnival Cruises to provide trips to the Caribbean and Mexico for family and friends. Doris was extremely generous and would surprise family members or friends with a free cruise. She would also sponsored exuberate sellout annual bus trips to Tunica, MS and Sault Saint Marie, Michigan. Doris was known to share her incentives with her guests. Her travel goal was to ensure everyone had a great trip. Doris Jean Hinton leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted husband of 61 years, John Lewis Hinton; one daughter, Carla D. Hinton; six grandsons: Jonathan J. Hinton, Jerry A. Mathis, Jr., Gary W. Thomas all of Saginaw, MI; Saleem (Quentrese) Hinton of Dardenne Prairie, MO, Wayne S. Thomas of Saginaw, MI, and Deyonis (Naseralyn) Hinton of Grand Rapids, MI; one granddaughter, Rhonda Rivera of Saginaw, MI; 13 beautiful great-grandchildren that she loved dearly, Jonnai Hinton, Jayden Mathis, Ja’Keyla Mathis, Ja’Nylah Mathis, Gary W. Thomas, Jr., Ge’Sean Thomas and Jakai Mathis all of Saginaw, MI, Saleem H. Hinton Jr. of Dardenne Prairie, MO, Wayne S. Thomas of Saginaw, MI and Deyonis Hinton II, Jonas L. Hinton of Grand Rapids, MI, My’Angel Rivera and Arsenio Dukes, Jr. of Saginaw, MI; one godson, Kielen (Sarah) J. King of Vancouver, WA and one goddaughter, Ashley Anderson of Saginaw, MI; two brothers-in-law, Ralph (Ruthie) Hinton of Saginaw, MI and Al (Sei) Hinton of Honolulu, HI. In addition, Doris had her special cousin, Katherine Atwater and an enormous cadre of special friends including, Katherine Atwater, Barbara Hinton, Isabella Holmes, Audrey Savage, Darlene Cummings and Laura Taylor; as well as, her beloved dog, Teddy. Mrs. Hinton was preceded in death by her daughter Rhonda Hinton Mathis; parents Jeff & Leora Atwater; in-laws, Eddie & Johnnie Mae Hinton; two sisters, Mary (Atwater) Doster and Mattie (Atwater) Erwin; three brothers, Willie B Hutch, Joseph W. Atwater and her recently deceased dedicated and faithful brother, Charles W. Atwater. Also, one godson, Craig Henley and one goddaughter, Khailia Warren. Family hour will take place at 10:00 AM Friday, August 27, 2021 at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48607, with funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Rev. P. David Saunders will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 South Washington Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48601. Friends may call at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48607, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Mrs. Doris Jean Hinton

April 16, 1939 - August 21, 2021