Mary "Frances" Walter

Mary Frances Walter was born on February 7, 1944, to Viola Thurmond. She was the oldest of three children. She accepted Christ at the age of 12 and was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. There she lived with her grandparents, Lennie and Mattie Thurmond, whom she loved and adored. They made sure that she was able to attend college and was able to live out her purpose.

A Time to Live: Frances attended E.H. Keys Elementary and High School in Ocean Springs, Mississippi where she sang in the school choir. After completing high school in 1966 Frances enrolled at Alcorn A & M (now Alcorn State University) in Lorman, Mississippi. There she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Later, she moved to Indianapolis, Indiana and attended Ball State University. There she received a Master’s Degree in Education. Frances began her long career as an educator in Mississippi and Missouri and later taught in the Indianapolis Public Scholl System for 38 years, before retiring in 2004. One of the highlights of her teaching profession is when she was chosen as one of the Outstanding Black Women in the State of Indiana by the National Council of Negro Women.

On June 17, 1972, Frances married the love of her life, Charles Walter. Born to this union were two sons, Charles Walter IV and Scott Walter. She loved her two boys and made sure they were active in church as well as active in recreational activities outside the church. Charles and Frances were both from Mississippi but met here in Indianapolis. Frances’ most passionate thing was teaching. She loved children and enjoyed watching them learn. Her room was always a joy to walk into. The children were always busy learning, and she encouraged them to do their best at all times.

Frances was an active member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church where her husband was the Senior Pastor. She sang in the choir, worked as Secretary of Sunday School, lead the Wednesday evening youth bible study, and was one of the Administrative Assistants to the Pastor. She also helped with other activities as needed. In August 2015 her husband went home to be with the Lord. Following his death, she reunited with Mount Carmel Baptist Church where she attended Sunday School, bible study and became a secretary of the missionary society. She loved her church and her pastor. She enjoyed worshipping and praising the Lord.

A Time to Remember: Frances was a devoted wife and mother to her family. She loved her husband very much. Often you would see the two of them together visiting the sick, out eating, or taking in a movie. She was a loving grandmother to her two granddaughters Arianna and Nyra, and to her two daughters-in-laws Chris and Chandra who were like her very own daughters. Her favorite past time was shopping. She was never too tired to shop. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and loved taking them shopping with her. Listening to gospel music was also a favorite thing for her to do. Whenever she got into her car, she would routinely praise God by singing along to gospel music. Cooking was another thing that she liked doing. She would cook and invite everyone over to eat. Frances was a loyal, supportive and caring person to so many. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for those whom she loved. She loved the Lord and always tried to keep her family close and on a righteous path.

A Time to Die: Mary Frances Walter departed this life on Friday January 31st, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She is survived by her two sons, Charles (Chris) Walter, Scott (Chandra) Walter and her sister Barbara (Ben) Sanders-Norwood. Also, her two granddaughters Arianna and Nyra Walter. Frances was also blessed to have a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Charles James Walter III, her mother Viola Hill, her sister Vicki Goodson, and her brother Orlando Hill.

A visitation for Frances will be held Friday, February 7, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Mt. Carmel Church, 9610 East 42nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46235, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM.