Milton Hackworth

MATTHEW 11:28a “COME UNTO ME ALL WHO LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST”. Milton responded to that invitation on SUNDAY JULY 20, 2025, at approximately 11:00 am.

Born January 9, 1942, in Demopolis, Alabama to Hattie Jones and Willie Hackworth, Milton was the third of five children. He played a pivotal role in the care and nurturing of his 2 younger sisters. Milton was a true mama’s boy and supported the family in every capacity.

Milton attended John Essex High School in Demopolis. He migrated to Chicago in 1960 at age 18 with his mother and his younger sisters. His older sister prepared a place for them to live comfortably with her. Soon, he got his first job working at a noodle factory on the West Side of Chicago.

The Hackworth family settled in the Washington Park neighborhood. In 1961, he began a 57-year tenure at Northwestern University Medical School. He began doing labor related tasks and ended his career as a Medical Research Technician in the allergy research department. He retired in 2022.

Milton played a significant role in testing several medicines and treatments. One of his proudest moments was participating in the creation of a new Asthma drug. He and many of his family benefited from this research and the treatments that followed.

After meeting and marrying Diane Johnson in 1964, they soon purchased a house in the Jeffrey Manor Community. It was home for 13 years. In 1984, the family moved to the South Suburbs. Their house is the heart of the family. His children and grandchildren still call this place home.

Being a father was Milton’s greatest joy but being a grandfather was the heartbeat of his soul. Words cannot express his attitude toward his grandchildren. Milton’s love and dedication for his family speaks volumes. His home was a place of comfort, love and junk food. The grandchildren and children frequently visit when in need of a sugar rush or to satisfy a salty craving.

Milton Hackworth joined the Lighthouse Church of all Nations in 2007 after witnessing the spiritual growth of his granddaughter who was involved in The Master's Program. He was a regular member at the 8:30 service. The usher team knew his name, knew his seat, and knew he always left before benediction.

He has now joined the great cloud of witnesses with his parents, his two older siblings, Frank and Earlean, baby sister Grace, nephew John “Jay” Hill III, and lastly, his first-born son, Milton Shawn Hackworth

Milton leaves behind his wife, Diane, Daughters: Carla (Christopher) Carnes, Shannan (Timothy) Mayes, son Christian Hackworth. Grand Children: Courtney, Christine, Shawntay, Ciara, Sydney, Caleb, Noah, Joshua, Gabriel, and Jayla. He also leaves behind nine great grandchildren who love him very much.

Milton will be remembered for his generosity and love of stepping and blues music. He had many great memories at the Checkerboard Lounge- the staple of Chicago blues in its prime. He also was on a first name basis with Buddy Guy. Milton loved playing spades with his grand sons and Bid Whist with anybody who could play. Though his bowling days were long gone, he still had found memories of the league he played in. He will also be remembered for his foot races with the grandsons, and his abundance of trash talking. He will always be in our hearts and our memories.