Marilyn Hinson Royal

Obituary For Marilyn Hinson Royal

In the grand experiment of education, where curiosity is the catalyst and discovery the outcome, a brilliant scientist of pedagogy has concluded her earthly exploration. Marilyn (Elise) Hinson Royal, a trailblazing force at the intersection of teaching, learning, and leadership, transitioned to her heavenly home on Friday, November 24, 2023, leaving behind a legacy as vast as the universe she inspired her students to explore. With the precision of a scientist and the heart of an educator, she ignited a spark of curiosity in people of all ages that will inevitably continue to illuminate the minds of generations to come.

A native Richmonder, Marilyn’s life was an eloquent symphony of love, compassion, beauty, grace, and selfless service. Devoting her entire life to the improvement of others, Marilyn was born Marilyn Elise Murray on October 28, 1959 to the late William (Bill) and Geneva Murray. Bill graduated from Virginia Union University (VUU) and joined the United States Army. After his tour of duty, he returned to Richmond and completed the Physical Therapy program at Medical College of Virginia (MCV) today known as Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Geneva also graduated from VUU and worked at Consolidated Bank and Trust for a brief period before starting her professional career with Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS). Her career path led her to secure a M.Ed. from VCU and an Ed.D. from NOVA Southeastern University.

Matriculating through Richmond Public Schools (RPS), Marilyn graduated from Armstrong High School in 1977 and immediately enrolled in Morgan State University (MSU) in Baltimore, Maryland. Hundreds of lifetime memories were created during her time at MSU, but the one that stands above all was meeting Donald Keith Hinson in 1978, whom she would later wed in July of 1982.

Having education in her blood from a lineage of devoted and well-known educators, Marilyn graduated from MSU in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Planetary Sciences and immediately began teaching science for HCPS at John Rolfe Middle School. In 1991, Marilyn earned a Master of Education Degree in Administration and Supervision from VCU. In 1993, Marilyn's exceptional dedication and profound impact on education were officially recognized when she was honored with the prestigious HCPS Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award. This accolade not only underscored her commitment to excellence in teaching but also highlighted her ability to inspire and uplift those within her classroom and the educational community.

For over 42 years, Marilyn would serve the students, families, and community of HCPS as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director. Of all the titles she had, “School Principal” was her favorite. She served with distinction as the Principal of Wilder Middle School from 1999-2004 before becoming Director of Middle School Instruction and Tuckahoe Middle School from 2010-2014 before her retirement. From 2014 until her untimely passing, Marilyn would go on to serve and support numerous secondary schools as an administrator as well as coach several new school leaders. Marilyn’s love for her craft and service would not allow her to really retire. In a remarkable testament to her leadership and educational prowess, Marilyn achieved the esteemed title of HCPS 2002-2003 Instructional Leader of the Year. Marilyn's visionary approach to educational leadership and her unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of learning excellence were instrumental in earning her this distinguished recognition.

Beyond her passion for education, Marilyn found solace and joy in the simple pleasures of life. A lover of nature, she cherished moments spent by the water, casting her line in pursuit of the next great catch. Fishing was not just a hobby for Marilyn; it was a tranquil escape that allowed her to connect with the beauty of the outdoors and recharge her spirit.

Marilyn’s passion for service extended far beyond the classroom. She was an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Upsilon Omega Chapter, where she tirelessly worked to uplift and empower the community through education initiatives and mentorship programs. Additionally, her involvement in the Richmond Chapter of the Epicureans (Eppies) showcased her commitment to cultivating meaningful social connections, fostering a spirit of camaraderie, and celebrating the joy found in shared experiences with like-minded individuals. Marilyn was an active and devoted member of Garland Avenue Baptist Church, where she wholeheartedly served as a dedicated Vacation Bible School Teacher, sharing her passion for faith and education with the community's youngest members.

Amidst all her accomplishments, Marilyn's biggest source of pride and joy was her only child, Donald-William Murray Hinson. A beacon of love in her life, Marilyn cherished every moment with her beloved son. Her boundless devotion to Donald was evident in every aspect of her life, and she would willingly have given the world for his happiness and well-being. She unabashedly boasted to everyone how proud she was about the man he had become.

As we fondly remember Marilyn, a rare and beautiful spirit that radiated warmth and kindness to everyone she encountered, let us carry forward her spirit of compassion, dedication, and the enduring love that she showered upon her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey. In our hearts, Marilyn's legacy - one whose impact on the world was as unique as the constellation of stars that graced the night sky she so often admired - lives on as a testament to a life well-lived, filled with liberating love & laughter, and the jubilant joy of making a difference in the lives of others.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald Keith Hinson. She is survived by her son, Donald-William Murray Hinson (Melissa); sister, Carolyn Montgomery (Paul); aunt, Lucille M. Brown; first cousins of whom Theodore Brown and Alonzo Murray (Dana who were like brothers she never had; a host of other cousins in New York and South Carolina, and her fur babies Gabby, Bruno, and Nala. Marilyn had a small circle of cherished friends, whose enduring companionship brought immense joy and comfort to her life.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2023 followed by the family receiving friends from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. in Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, December 9 at Garland Avenue Baptist Church, 2700 Garland Avenue. Dr. Jeffery O. Smith officiating. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Marilyn H. Royal Memorial Fund through the Henrico Education Foundation, ensuring that her legacy of teaching, learning, and leadership continues to touch lives, particularly those within school classrooms.

In the midst of sorrow, the family extends deep gratitude to the compassionate staff at St. Mary’s Hospital whose exceptional care and unwavering support provided comfort and solace during Marilyn’s final moments.