Virginia "Gitty" Carson

Born on April 12, 1930, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Virginia was the beloved only daughter among three children born to the union of George W. and Helen V. Hayes. From a young age, she expressed her faith in God and was baptized. She worshiped at Light of the World Christian Church for several years before joining First Baptist Church North Indianapolis, where she remained a member.

Virginia received her early education in the Indianapolis Public School System and proudly graduated from the historic Crispus Attucks High School in the class of 1947. She briefly attended Ball State University, but her entrepreneurial spirit soon led her to forge her own path. Working alongside her father, she helped open George Hayes Cleaners and later established the Tally-Ho Variety Store. With vision and determination, she went on to open one of Indianapolis’ most beloved lounges, The Nite Flite, which became a popular gathering place in the community. Alongside her business pursuits, Virginia also contributed her talents to RCA, Indiana Bell, Elasta Products, and eventually State Bonding, where she retired in 1991.

Virginia embraced every role in her life with devotion and excellence — a loving mother and wife, supportive grandmother and great-grandmother, resourceful businesswoman, and loyal friend. She was kind, thoughtful, humble, and deeply generous. Virginia was also known for her quick wit and playful spirit; she had a way of making others laugh and brightening conversations with her humor and sharp mind. Her meticulous standards for cleanliness were fondly referred to by her family as “the institute,” a testament to her impeccable care for her home. She lived with grace, purpose, and was the epitome of class.

In 1948, Virginia entered into holy matrimony with John L. Broaden, and from that union, a cherished daughter, Patti Anne, was born. In 1964, she married again — this time to Sammy Carson — and through that blessed union, she welcomed three more children: Samuel M. Carson, Randy Carson, and Tanya Carson. Their loving marriage spanned 51 years, until Sammy’s passing.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, George W. and Helen V. Hayes; her husband, Sammy Carson; and her brothers, George Hayes and Raymond Hayes; and step-daughter Tanya Carson.

She leaves to honor and cherish her memory: her daughter, Patti Anne Holt (David); her stepsons, Samuel Carson and Randy Carson; grandchildren, Ann-Marie Brewer (Darryl), Tina-Marie Rutherford, Sherrie Cooper (Steve), Samuel Carson IV, Andre Carson, Ja’Dawn Turner (Naheem), Phillip Carson, Barbara Carson, Jamie Carson, and Stef’an Carson — along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends whose lives were touched by her loving presence.

A visitation will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, Memorial Chapel, located at 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana, 46208, on November 22, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will follow at the same location, beginning at 1:00 pm.