Jewel Cutler

Jewel Cutler, 93, of Indianapolis, IN, peacefully passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2023. Born in Fairdale, TX on July 24, 1929 to her loving parents, Robert and Mary (Washington) Simmons, Jewel was the youngest and last surviving of 12 children.

Jewel attended Blue Spring School in Fairdale, TX. She later moved to Indianapolis in 1949 at the age of 20. Upon arriving in Indianapolis, she took classes at Marian College and worked at The Hotel Harrison.

Jewel always wanted to start a family of her own. In 1952, she married Earl Jones (deceased) and not too long after became the mother of two daughters, Elaine (Jones) Burden and Linda (Jones) Powell. Jewel later went on to marry Reverend Joshua R. Cutler (deceased). They were married for 26 years until his passing.

Jewel always loved children and embarked on a professional career that was always dedicated to supporting, encouraging and caring for kids. She worked at the Edna Martin Christian Center as a Teacher’s Aide for 19 years. After Reverend Cutler was called to Centennial Olivet Baptist Church in Louisville, KY, Jewel and Joshua moved to Louisville and she began working for the Kentucky State School System. After 10 years, Jewel retired from the school system in June 1991. Upon moving back to Indianapolis after Joshua’s passing, she was an in-home childcare provider until November 2015.

Jewel dedicated her life to serving: Christ, the churches she attended, her family, and the children she loved and cared for. She was a Deaconess and First Lady at Centennial Olivet Baptist Church for 16 years, and she also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. When she joined Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in 1994, she served on the Nurses Board.

Jewel was strong and feisty, a loving mother and grandmother, the ultimate gardener, a religious wearer of necklaces and earrings, and a faith-filled woman of God who will truly be missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary (Washington) Simmons; her husband, Rev. Joshua R. Cutler; siblings, Alvoid Simmons, Lottie Shipp, Ola Hamilton, Boyd Simmons, Gladys Hamilton, Knox Simmons, J.P. Simmons, Craig Simmons, Loy Simmons, Roscoe Simmons and Icie Simmons; and extended family members. Jewel is survived by her two daughters, Elaine Burden and Linda Powell; grandchildren, Adrienne Payne (James), Kiley Powell (TJ) and Kendall Powell; great grandchildren, Kennedy Payne, Kelani Powell, Wesley Powell, and Kyrie Richardson, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 11am-1pm at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park North with a funeral service immediately following. Jewel will be laid to rest in Washington Park North Cemetery.Flowers, condolences, and reflections can be sent to Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Blvd. West Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46228.