Martha Willis

Martha l. Willis was born on May 28th, 1931 in Indianapolis Indiana to Wilson and Helen Willis. From this union four daughters were born, she was the youngest. Martha passed away on February 1st, 2020.

Martha received her formal education in the Indianapolis Public School System. She went on to graduate from historic Crispus Attucks High School. During Attucks glory years Martha was a Drum Majorette for the marching band. While in High School she earned a scholarship for the John Herron Art Institute where she was able to nurture her passion for art.

Martha was baptized at a young age along with her sisters at the first black church in the city, old Bethel A.M.E. Later in life she attended Second Christian Church, and recently decided to make Community Lifeline Christian Church her home. She was a faithful member until her illness.

Martha was a hard worker and held several jobs over the years. Some of her employers included RCA, where she was a member of the After Work Club At RCA. Western Electric, Eli Lilly, Private Duty Home Care and security for the Convention Center. The Convention Center may have been one of her favorites. She used to bring home promotional items, some signed by various athletes and stars. She always had a story about someone she had met there.

Martha was a fun person who enjoyed being around people and telling jokes. Her hobbies were drawing and putting together puzzles. In her adult years she hosted and played in many card games. She adored dogs and had several spoiled ones, Vickie Lynn and Tom Dooley may have been her most beloved. She loved to travel and has taken cruises and numerous trips to Las Vegas with her sister Betty. Martha also was an avid sports fan and followed the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers. Reggie Miller was one of her favorite players.

Martha was proceeded in death by her Parents, three sisters, Frances Taylor (Thomas), Dorothy Washington (Thomas), Betty Willis (Harold) and her husband William Rasdale.

Martha will be sincerely missed. She is survived by nieces Patricia Bates, and Doris Dabner, nephews William Washington (Veronica) and Ronald Bradley (Pamela), many great and great great Nieces and Nephews, extended Family and Friends.