Betty Stinson

Betty attended University of Missouri with a degree in education. Betty did her graduate studies overseas in London, UK with a focus on Special Education. She had a passion and love for teaching and began her carrier at R.J. Delano School. When her husband George accepted a job at SC Johnson, they moved from Kansas City to Racine in September 1970. Betty began working for Racine Unified School District as a Teacher/Program Support Teacher – Cognitive Disability and Orthopedically Impaired. She retired in 2011, with 41 years of service.

Throughout her life Betty has served on several Boards, Councils, and has received many awards. Highlights: Charter member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority-Delta Tau Chapter, Charter member of the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority-Tau Chapter and recipient of the Phi Delta Kappa Education Activist Award, one of the founding members and Past President of Women of Wisconsin Southeast, One of the founding members and Past President of The Links, Inc. of Greater Racine Chapter and Links Central Area Board Secretary, One of the founders and board member of Professional Women’s Network for Service, Inc.- Southeast Wisconsin, member of Greater Racine Collaborative for Health Birth Outcomes (LIHF), Volunteer Sister Friend with the Birthing Project USA, Inc., and recipient of the YWCA Southeast WI Women of Distinction Award. Past board member of Racine Heritage Museum and Career Industries.

Betty was a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She served as secretary for the Racine Branch, editor and reporter for the newsletter “Freedom Ledger”, Freedom Fund Baby Contest Chair, ACT-SO Chair, Youth Council Advisor, and Political Action Committee. She was also the recipient of the NAACP Theodore Harris Humanitarian Award for community service and commitment to civil rights, the NAACP Region III Rosa Parks Woman of the Year Award, and the Youth Advocate Award.

Chairing the Underground Railroad Committee, Betty was instrumental in securing and detailing the nationally recognized Underground Railroad Markers under the Links and PWNS organizations. In 2003 Marker I was placed on Monument Square and in 2007 Marker II was placed at the Racine Harbor at Gaslight Point. Always working to make our community aware of its rich legacy.

Betty was blessed with many life experiences. She loved her family, respected her friends, co-workers and neighbors, and adored her beloved caregivers. After her stroke, in 2010 Betty never allowed her disability to stop her from volunteering.

Betty Hill-Stinson, age 73, died on October 13, 2016.