Mary Frances Byrdsong

Mary was the beloved sister of two sisters and six brothers. She grew up in a home centered on faith, learning, and family, which shaped her character, values, and pursuits throughout her life.

Mary was a tenacious student; she received her early education at Indianapolis Public School #37, and she graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1960. These achievements reflected both her intellectual prowess and adventurous spirit, which lead her receiving supervisory jobs with RCA, LS Ayres and Ft. Benjamin Harrison.

Mary was a devout Christian and found her faith at an early age when her family attended Greater Galilee Baptist Church. She then became a member of Greater Christian Baptist Church, where she served as an usher. Mary ultimately settled at Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a member for 50 years.

During Mary’s time at Greater Christian Baptist Church, she was introduced to Donald Byrdsong by her good friend and Donald’s cousin, Carolyn. In 1963, Donald and Mary married in Indianapolis, IN. Shortly after their marriage, Donald and Mary moved to Louisville, KY, where they were blessed with three children (“Donnie & the Twins”). Donald and Mary later moved to San Francisco, CA, where they raised their three children. In 1982, Donald and Mary divorced, Mary and the children relocated back to Indianapolis, IN.

After relocating to Indiana, Mary enrolled her children in Martin Luther King Daycare while she worked. Mary would volunteer at the daycare whenever she had free time. At that time, Mary discovered her love of working with children and truly believed this was her purpose in life. Mary ultimately dedicated forty years of her life to educating and caring for children. She taught kindergarten at St. Rita’s Catholic School, Owner of Precious Little People Child Care Academy and the Director of Stepping Stones Child Care Ministry.

Mary was known for her compassion, deep curiosity, informed wit, and quiet kindness. Her strong Christian beliefs were always a reflection of her perseverance, leadership, and commitment to doing good. She brought excellence and integrity to every endeavor. Friends and family relied on her insights and trusted her judgment. She was passionate about her faith, family, and friends, and she cared deeply about the children in her community.

Faith in Jesus Christ was a steady part of Mary’s life. Throughout her life, she found strength in the gospel and maintained a steady, humble, and sincere personal devotion. Mary held various callings and was always willing to serve without seeking attention or praise.

Despite health challenges later in life, Mary remained resilient, independent, and always graceful. She found joy in listening to gospel music, meaningful conversation, crossword puzzles, reading, traveling, watching her movies (“Tubi LOL) and spending time with family and friends.

Mary was always present for—and often the heart of—our most cherished memories, and she will be deeply missed in all the milestones to come.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Tara Byrdsong (Ralph) Randolph of Carmel, IN. Kara (Kenneth) Hardister of Carmel, IN, Daughter in law Sabrina Byrdsong of Indianapolis, IN.; and her two sisters: Emma King, Indianapolis, IN; Carolyn Flippin, Indianapolis, IN; brother, Dr. Jack (Carolyn) Thomas, Bloomington, IN; grandchildren; Drew (Chanel) Byrdsong, Fairfield, CA, Corey Byrdsong, Fairfield, CA, Brandon Byrdsong, Louisville, KY, Donovan Byrdsong, Indianapolis, IN, Larry (Ariel) Smith, Indianapolis, IN, Essence Byrdsong, Carmel, IN, Ralph Randolph Jr, Indianapolis, IN, Jabril Randolph, Carmel, IN, Jamiyah Randolph, Indianapolis, IN, Kenneth (Cheniya) Hardister, Carmel, IN, Kahlil Hardister, Carmel, IN, Jaqui Hardister, Dallas, TX, nine great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends who adored her.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, David and Helen Thomas; brothers, David Jr, Donald, Robert, William and Richard Thomas; and son, Donald Byrdsong Jr.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart."

—Proverbs 3:5

Visitation will be held at Phillips Temple CME Church, 210 E 34th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205, on July 11, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Phillips Temple CME Church, 210 E 34th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205, on July 11, 2026, at 11:00 am.

Repast will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home - Celebration Hall, immediately following burial.