Marcella J. Carter-Shinn

Marcella and her twin sister, Marilyn were born in 1934 to Lloyd and Thelma Carter (Bigelow) in a small Iowa town named Atlantic. They would spend their early years working the family 80 acre farm in Wiota, Iowa. In addition to corn, bean and hay crops, they raised livestock— Angus cattle, Spotted Poland China hogs and various varieties of chickens. Horses also grassed in the fields. Farm life was not easy back then and an early life of hard work would help mold both girls into successful women.

Marcella left Wiota soon after high school in pursuit of education. She attended East Los-Angeles Junior College, Porter School of Business, University of Notre Dame (business /management), and later in life IUPUI for communication studies.

She was a professional in the area of management. She held many jobs throughout her career, but managing the Essex Hotel in downtown Indianapolis and working at Sun Life Insurance were the most notable. She would later work with Chubb Insurance for 19 years and retire in 1998.

Marcella married Thomas R. Shinn on January 26, 1979. She inherited a young son named David with that marriage. David so enjoyed spending time with his new grandpa Lloyd on the Iowa farm.

Thomas and Marcella purchased their home in Lawrence in October of 1979. They enjoyed traveling together and spent much time with family and friends. As Thomas passed in March of 1992, they only had 13 short years together— but they filled that with 30 years’ worth of life and adventures.

Marcella spent her remaining years in many volunteer organizations and personally helping and mentoring people in the community. She was active in three churches in the Lawrence community. Her home church was Lawrence United Methodist Church. She also rescued many doggies and gave them a loving forever home.

Marcella is survived by Marilyn J. Carter (twin sister), J. David Shinn (son), Joshua A. Shinn (grandson), Nicholas D. Shinn (grandson) and Javen A. Shinn (great grandson).

A celebration of life visitation will be held on Thursday, August 3, 2017 from Noon to 2pm at Washington Park East located at 10722 E Washington Street. A light lunch will be served with refreshments. This will be an informal gathering of friends to send off a special lady. A short service will be held at 2pm. Friends may join the family for a brief grave site gathering with dove release after the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Indianapolis Human Society in her memory.