Nettie Mae Senter

Nettie was born on September 11, 1948, to Louis and Margle Kelley in Indianapolis, Indiana. Nettie graduated from Crispus Attucks High School and went on to get her bachelor's degree from Ball State University. She also received her master’s degree from Butler University. She was a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Nettie taught for 42 years at IPS and Washington Township. She began her career at Crispus Attucks as a speech/hearing therapist and a special education instructor. She also taught English, GED classes, and was Department Chair for Special Education. Nettie was dedicated, hardworking and developed friendships throughout her life. Nettie’s special friends the “Care Girls” always loved time spent traveling and having fun times together. Nettie was a remarkable woman whose strength, grace and unwavering kindness touched the lives of all who knew her. She was a tireless servant of her community. She was involved in many protests speaking out on injustices that impacted her community. A once in a lifetime invite to the Democrat National Convention in Denver 2008 was a highlight of her community activism.

Nettie was an avid golfer as the golf course was a major part of her life. She coached and played in many golf tournaments. Nettie taught golfers to appreciate the beauty of the course-the green grass, the sunshine, and the companionship. May she find fairways and greens in Heaven.

Nettie’s memory will forever be cherished by those who loved her most. We thank God for the precious gift of time we had with Nettie. The loving memories of past experiences with Nettie lightens our heavy hearts, but the void has left our hearts broken.

Nettie was preceded in death by her parents, sister Sarah Layson, brothers Louis Kelley and Thomas Kelley.

Nettie is survived by her daughter Nichole Brown, brothers Wilbert (Tonia) Kelly, John (Deborah) Kelley; sisters Katherine Jones, Bertha Crenshaw, 3 grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN on March 31, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location on March 31, 2026, beginning at 12:00 pm.