Carole Y. Finnell

Loving. Integrity. Faithful. Understanding. Wise. Joyful. Courageous. Passionate. Warm. Humble. Sunny. Caring. Creative. Patient. Generous. Selfless. Affirming. Witty. Lively. Supporter. Colorful. Sweet. Funny. Thoughtful. Counselor. Confident. Strong-minded. Trailblazer. Honest. Steadfast. Empathetic. Lover of life. Welcoming. Brave. Beautiful. Comforting. Kind. Interesting. Interested. Smart. Practical. Inquisitive. Consoler. Strong. Prayer-warrior. Friend. Collector of jars and people. Carole Yvonne Ferguson was born on July 29, 1936 in Indianapolis, the second child of Denver D. Ferguson, Sr. and Naomi O. (Harrison) Ferguson. She attended St. Rita and Holy Name Catholic Grade Schools, and St. Mary Academy HS, graduating in 1954. She went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Marian College and her master’s degree in Social Work from the IU school of Social Work. On September 1, 1956 Carole married Alfred L. Finnell, Jr. Together they had five children and for 38 years raised a loving family in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood in Indianapolis. Her family was her pride and joy, and she made sure that each of her children knew that she loved them and that she was extremely proud of them. Carole spent her life serving and helping others. She loved working as a social worker, which she did from 1958 until she retired in 2000. She worked for Marion County Department of Welfare – Children’s Division, the Indianapolis General Hospital (now Eskanazi), Mapleton Fall Creek Multiservice Center, and for over 30 years she was employed with the Indianapolis Public Schools. Carole was a member of the Marion County Association of School Social Workers, the Indiana State Teachers Association, the Indianapolis Education Association, the National Association of Black Social Workers, and the National Association for Autistic Children. Helping those in need, especially children, was her passion. Carole was a long-time member of the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish where she participated in many ministries, including singing in the Gospel Choir and the Prayer Power ministry, which she started over 20 years ago. Her motto was PUSH, pray until something happens. She prayed for everyone, for everything, all the time, regularly sending emails and making phone calls to ensure all who needed prayers received them. In her early adult years, Carole was socially active with the Corvette Club. She loved the Lord. She loved bright colors, sunny days, cashews, soul food, ice cream, and chocolate. She loved getting and giving hugs. She was the family historian, constantly making numerous new family connections. She was an outstanding cook and an avid gardener, growing various flowers, plants, and vegetables, especially tomatoes. Carole also loved to travel. Her itineraries included two trips to Europe, a trip to the Holy Land, a train ride across Canada with her beloved brother Ronnie, and trips to various states across the US. Carole departed her earthly life on April 12, 2021, having gotten to see all of her children and grandchildren in the days before God called her home. She was preceded in death by her daughter Lauren Kay Finnell, her mother, Naomi O. Harrison Harden, her brothers Denver D. Ferguson, Jr. and Fr. Ronald J. Ferguson S.J., her stepfather James G. Harden, her son-in-law George L. Tate, and her father Denver D. Ferguson, Sr. Carole is survived by her ex-husband and dear friend Alfred Finnell, Jr., her daughter Gennifer Tate, sons David Finnell, Vincent Finnell (Stephanie Chapman), and Todd Finnell (Deandra Hill), her sisters Joan Harden and Genet Kidane, her brothers James Harden, and Paul Harden, her grandchildren Angela Rashid (Khalid), Dianna Tremblay (Mike), Kory Finnell, Alexis Finnell, Andrew Finnell, Brooke Finnell, and Alena Finnell, five great-grandchildren (Tashar, Layla, Gisele, Sawyer, and Caleb), several nieces and nephews, many cousins, and a host of loving friends. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 23, 2021, from 4 PM until 7 PM, at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th Street in Indianapolis. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 24 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 4600 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Arrangements are by Crown Hill. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in the name of Carole Y. Ferguson-Finnell to one of the following : Boulevard Place Food Pantry St Thomas Aquinas Haiti Fund St Vincent de Paul Christ in the City The family of Carole Y. Ferguson-Finnell wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all those who loved her during her life, who reached out during and following her illness, and to all the care givers at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent Hospice who cared for her during her last weeks here with us.