Kathryn “Kaki” Harvey Hinton, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and accomplished advertising executive, passed away on October 10, 2026, at her home in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, surrounded by her loving family. She was 75.

There was no one quite like Kaki. With her magnetic personality, infectious energy, and extraordinary generosity of spirit, she made an indelible impression on everyone who crossed her path. She had a gift for remembering the details of people's lives, celebrating their milestones, and making everyone around her feel genuinely valued. As playful and funny as she was ambitious and determined, Kaki approached life with a warmth, enthusiasm, and sense of humor that were entirely her own.

Born on April 11, 1951, to Robert “Bun” Tower Harvey and Janet Crapo Harvey, Kaki was the second of eight children and grew up in Wellesley, Massachusetts, surrounded by a large and lively family. She attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where she majored in sociology and minored in theater. It was there that she met Stephen Major Hinton, who became her husband and lifelong partner. Together, Kaki and Steve raised their family in Chester, New Jersey, before making Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, their home for the last 16 years.

Kaki built a distinguished career in advertising and marketing, rising to senior leadership at a time when relatively few women held executive positions in the industry. She began her career at Hill Holliday, the prominent Boston-based advertising agency, before moving to New York City to join the renowned Ted Bates agency, eventually becoming Senior Vice President and Media Director. In 1987, she joined Warner-Lambert, advancing through senior leadership positions before becoming Vice President of Advertising Services for Pfizer Consumer Healthcare following Pfizer's acquisition of the company in 2000.

Her accomplishments earned widespread recognition, including being named one of Advertising Age's 17 “Media Mavens” in 1999. She held leadership positions with the Association of National Advertisers and served on the board of the Ad Council. As co-chair of the influential Family Friendly Programming Forum, Kaki championed the development of quality, family-oriented television, supporting initiatives that helped bring shows such as Gilmore Girls and Everybody Hates Chris to audiences. She was also a dedicated advocate for women in business, helping establish the Pfizer New Jersey Women's Network. Her honors included the YWCA's Women and Industry Award, the Lee Salk Goodworks Award, and the Ann Vanderbilt Award for Achievement. Among the most personal reflections of her professional legacy was seeing both her children, Alexandra and Cory, independently follow in her footsteps, pursuing careers in advertising and marketing.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kaki embraced life with a boundless curiosity and zest for adventure. She loved traveling, spending time with family and friends, and attending Broadway plays and musicals, a reflection of her lifelong appreciation for theater. Whether exploring somewhere new or bringing people together at home, she had a gift for turning ordinary moments into lasting memories.

Tennis was another great passion throughout her life. An avid player and captain of multiple women's tennis teams, Kaki treasured the competition, camaraderie, and enduring friendships she found on the court. She also supported Leveling the Fields and the Third Serve Foundation, organizations dedicated to expanding opportunities for young people through sports.

Above all, family was at the center of Kaki's life. Together with Steve, she raised their two children, Cory and Alexandra, and embraced her stepdaughters, Jessica and Kimberly, with the same love and devotion. She adored her grandchildren, Ryan, Brayden, and Major, and treasured the time they spent together.

Kaki is survived by her beloved husband, Steve Hinton; her son, Cory Tower Hinton, his wife, Macy Manning Hinton, and their son, William Major Hinton; her daughter, Alexandra Hinton Guaccio, and her husband, Austin Guaccio; her stepdaughters, Kimberly Hinton Lutz and her husband, Kevin Lutz; and Jessica Hinton Schmidt and her husband, Scott Schmidt, whose children are Brayden Luke Schmidt and Ryan Melanie Schmidt.

She is also survived by her seven siblings: Linda Harvey (Phil Monica), Laura Harvey, Jennifer Harvey, Janet “Po” (Geoff) D'Arcy, Robert Harvey Jr., Winthrop “Wink” (Cristi) Harvey, and Millicent “Missy” Harvey, along with several beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Robert “Bun” Tower Harvey and Janet Crapo Harvey.

Kaki will be remembered not only for her accomplishments, but even more for the joy she brought to others, the friendships she nurtured, and the family she loved so deeply. Her generosity, charisma, and zest for life will remain with all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A private family ceremony will be held, with a celebration of Kaki's extraordinary life to follow at a later date. Details will be shared once arrangements have been finalized.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Kaki's memory to Leveling the Fields or the Third Serve Foundation, two organizations close to her heart.