Obituary of Martha Carlisle

Martha, “Toddy” Cox Carlisle departed “The Good Life”, on May 16, 2020, surrounded by her loved ones as they gathered for dinner, which was her favorite time of the day. She was born March 18, 1930, to Dr. Charleston B. Cox and Martha Corley Cox in Indianapolis, Indiana. Martha was the second oldest of 5 beautiful daughters. She is proceeded in death by her parents, her very handsome, charming husband, Frank H. Carlisle, and eldest sister, Mary “Bunny” Cox Allison. Martha attended Indianapolis Public Schools #87 and #85. She graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1947, at the age of 16, where she also served as an ROTC Sponsor. In September 1947, she attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee where she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. She became a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Martha was a very active Delta Soror in Indianapolis and Chicago. She earned her Master’s Degree in Human Relations from Roosevelt University in Chicago, Illinois. Martha “Toddy” Cox Carlisle began her working career at the Lake County Department of Public Welfare in Gary, Indiana, and was later hired by Mayor A. Martin Katz, as the first female of a new department for the city of Gary, “The Gary Youth Commission.” During her employment there she wrote the Neighborhood Youth Corps. Program Proposal and served as Deputy Director for 3.5 years. In addition, she served as the Chief of Social Services for the Department of Agriculture Job Corps Center in Mara Nipsco, Michigan. When she resided in Gary, Indiana. She developed outside programs for youth. She worked in conjunction with the Department of Correction and Local Services Agencies to aid and assist minors in need of supervision. She retired as supervisor of the Correctional Juvenile Court Probation Department in Cook County, Chicago, Illinois. After 9 years of retirement, she resided back to Indianapolis, Indiana to be closer to her family. ​ Retirement did not stop her, she happily, gratefully, and gracefully reached more milestones in her wonderful latter process of Life. This was what she called “The Good Life!” She belonged to the Dupli-Kates Bridge Club, along with being a member of the Indianapolis Bridge Unit, meeting monthly. She was an active member of the Indianapolis Professional Association (IPA) dedicating to promoting and developing the education and economy of African-Americans in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was a member of the Jazz Unites in Chicago. Martha traveled monthly to Chicago to participate in her Birthday Club. Other activities included casinos, jazz cruises, and visiting Las Vegas and Florida yearly. She looked forward to holidays, birthdays, and special celebrations with her family, extended family, and loved ones. Cooking and playing the lottery was a daily must. We all have been blessed by her presence here on earth. Martha leaves to mourn in her departure sisters, Patrica Cox-Smith, Charlene Cox-Bowles (Frederic), and Luella Cox-Burton. Nieces; Pamela Allison-Lane (Reginald), Michelle Jay Smith, Rhonda Smith, and Gina Bowles. Nephews; Frederic Bowles Jr. (Angela), Charleston Bowles Sr. (Elizebeth), Thomas Benjamin III, and Damont Maye. Great Niece; Misti Elmore. Great Nephews; Deran Elmore, Tyrone McCoy (DaVeeka), Corey Bowles, Charleston Bowles Jr., Jordan Bowles, and Kobi Bowles. Great-Great Niece; Morynn McCoy. Great-Great Nephews; Kenyarie McKelvin, Tyree Elmore, and a host of cousins and extended family and friends. In loving memory from Martha Toddy Carlisle “To The Good Life” Visitation will be on Saturday, June 6, 2020, from 12:00 Noon - 1:30 PM at Serenity Cremation and Funeral Home, 6202 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, Indiana. If you would like to view Martha Carlisle's service please visit Facebook and copy and paste this link to your search engine https://www.facebook.com/MarthaCarlisleMemorial