January 10, 1932 – February 19, 2020
Marcia Louise Carithers, 88, Indianapolis, formerly of New Castle, passed away on Wednesday morning, February 19, 2020, at St. Vincent Hospice Center in Indianapolis. Born January 10, 1932, in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late James Arthur “J.A.” and Nellie (Redman) Carithers.
Marcia attended the New Castle School System. When she was a young adult, a new organization was formed that would help individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. It would be called New Hope of Indiana and Marcia would become a resident in their inaugural class. This was a perfect fit for Marcia. Over the next 44 years, New Hope helped foster Marcia’s strength and determination, never letting her physical disabilities and limitations slow her down in the slightest.
Marcia always made it a priority to keep her mind active, and reading helped her achieve this goal. She always looked forward to trips to the library and never lost her passion for learning new things. Marcia also loved working jigsaw puzzles. Whenever she would put together a particularly interesting puzzle, she would make sure to get it mounted and hung on the wall for everyone else to enjoy.
Marcia’s mother exposed her to music at an early age, helping to foster a love for playing the piano. It also helped to cultivate a deep appreciation of music and the arts. Her love for painting and poetry grew over the years; she loved getting her hands on a new painting book as much as she loved penning a new poem.
Family was very important to Marcia and no matter where she was at, she had the amazing ability to bring new members into that family. For many years Marcia worked with Janus Developmental Services. Over the years, many of the people at Janus, as well as the residents and staff at New Hope added to her circle of family and support. Marcia was also a member of Faith Church in Indianapolis. Her church family not only increased the size of her support network but helped grow her faith and make it even stronger.
Marcia is survived by her nieces and nephews, John Edward Carithers (Paula), Sheridan, James Harold Carithers (Rita), Clarks Hill, and Jayne Anne Diggs, Columbia, Md.; and many great- nieces and nephews. Marcia is also survived by the many, many, many animals that she lovingly doted over throughout the years. Her love for animals came from growing up on the farm and caring for her favorite pony.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Harold Arthur Carithers; sister-in-law, Sara Mae “Sally” Carithers; and by her nephew, Charlie Diggs.
A Celebration of Marcia’s Life was held on Tuesday afternoon, February 25, 2020 at Faith Church, 9125 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, with visitation prior to the time of service. Pastor Tom Macy officiated. Marcia was laid to rest at South Mound Cemetery in New Castle.
In lieu of flowers, Marcia’s family requests that memorial contributions be presented to Faith Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kercheval Funeral Home in Sheridan.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com