Sondra Marie Oldham

Sondra was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to Edward and Edna Mae Young Carson on November 8, 1934. She graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1952, then from Indiana Central College (now University of Indianapolis) with a BS in Elementary Education in 1956. Sondra married Willis "Buzzy" Earl Oldham on June 22,1958. From this union two children were born, Kim Elaine and Kevin Earl. Continuing with her education, she earned a MS in Education from Butler University in 1964.

Sondra began her career as an elementary school educator in the Indianapolis Public School System in 1956 at IPS #29, then on to #17 where she was the first African American teacher, continuing her career at schools # 32, 76 and 67. In 1987 she moved to #90 to teach 4th grade academically talented students which was the highlight of her teaching career until her decision to retire in 1990. Sondra worked tirelessly to ensure her beloved students would work at their highest potential; even teaching summer school for several years. As an educator she impacted the lives of many students. Many of her former students sent her gifts during the holiday seasons. She has maintained several of those gifts over the years (especially the Christmas ornaments). Sondra was well respected by her colleagues. She was a supervising teacher for a number of student teachers and served on many professional committees, notably, the Academically Talented Advisory Committee, the Young Authors Planning Committee, and the Reading and Mathematics Textbook Adoption Committee. Educating students was surely her calling.

Following retirement, continuing the theme of service, Sondra decided to pursue another passion, her interest and concern for the aging community. She accepted a position at IU School Medicine as a Neuropsychology Research Associate for the Indianapolis Study of Health and Aging focusing on the local African American Community which she held for approximately six years; an endeavor she truly enjoyed.

As a lifelong, active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Sondra sang in the Greeters choir, a member of the Trustee Board, a member of the R.T. Andrews Scholarship Commission Board, and faithfully served Zion in numerous capacities over the years.

Sondra was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. in 1958 and has remained an active member for over 50 years. One of her notable achievements was coordinating the partnership between the Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the local Habitat for Humanity to build a home for a young family. Passion for community involvement also lead her to co-found the first girl scout troop at her daughters' elementary school.

Sanky was a founding member of her beloved ladies "social club" The 13 Hearts, which began in 1959 and is still going strong today. She served as the "treasurer" since inception. Her "Hearts" are truly going to miss her.

She also enjoyed social activities as a member of the Moles-Indianapolis Chapter. This affiliation gave her and Buzzy an opportunity to socialize with dear friends.

Sanky enjoyed traveling, cooking, meeting with friends, spending time with her family, among many other interests. Her guilty pleasure was regular appointments at the nail and hair salon. And her pride and joy - her granddaughter Shelby. As a spiritual soul and avid reader, she enjoyed all topics of the bible. To broaden her knowledge, she joined Bible Study Fellowship, an organization dedicated to helping people know God and equip them to effectively serve the Church.

Sondra is preceded in death by her mother Edna Mae Young Carson, her father Edward Carson and stepmother Shirley Carson.

Sondra is survived by her spouse Willis "Buzzy" Earl Oldham, son Kevin Earl Oldham of Indianapolis IN, daughter Kim Elaine (Geary) Brown of Acworth GA and beloved granddaughter Shelby Elaine Brown of Acworth GA, as well as many family members and countless friends.

The family of Sondra Marie Oldham wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the physicians and nurses at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, and to the staff of Crown Hill Funeral Home.