Dr. Marcia Iora Butler

Dr. Marcia Butler, age 79, of Indianapolis, surrounded by her family, peacefully departed this earthly life to be with her Lord on Friday, May 6, 2022.,. Marcia was born to Frederick and Richmae Blake on April 9, 1943, in New York City. She graduated from Asbury Park High School in New Jersey at age 17 and 4 years later she received a B.S. degree in Education from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1968, she received a Master of Science degree from Butler University in Guidance and Counseling. She later attended the University of Kansas, studying behavior modification. She also studied at The University of Wisconsin and attained Administrative Certifications for Elementary and Secondary Schools. In 1997, Marcia attained a doctorate degree in education from Indiana University Bloomington.

Marcia loved learning and children. She began her career as an educator teaching kindergarten and quickly became a staff trainer, teaching educational strategies. She also served as the Assistant Dean of John Marshall High School in 1974 and the Dean of Crispus Attucks High School from 1975 to 1978. She then became the Director of Upward Bound at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. When she later returned to Indianapolis, she served in the Indianapolis Public School system as an Assistant Principal, Elementary School principal and Director of the Gifted and Talented program in IPS. During her years as a principal in IPS, Marcia attended The Harvard Principals Academy at Harvard University, in Massachusetts, and she won awards for raising student achievement and attendance at IPS School #85. Following her retirement from IPS, she worked at her daughter’s childcare centers, Gifted & Talented Academy, for 18 years. She often said that she wanted her last years educating children to be her best. In May 2018, Marcia was inducted into the Asbury Park High School Hall of Fame for her countless accomplishments in the field of education.

For 30 years, Marcia was an active member of Light of the World Christian Church. Additionally, she sang in the Eastern Star Church choir for 15 years, and she was most recently a member of New Horizons Church. Marcia was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Jack and Jill of America, Inc, The National Drifters, and she was a 15-year member of The Coalition of One Hundred Black Women.

Marcia leaves behind a daughter, Ashanti Ordone, and son-in-law, Terence Ordone, both of whom she loved dearly, to mourn her loss. She will be lovingly remembered by her two exceptional grandsons, Mason and Carson Ordone. Marcia is also survived by her life partner of 27 years, Carl Hines, along with a host of cousins and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, Aunt Rose Williams, and Aunt Olive Evans.

Marcia was most proud of her beautiful family, and she should be remembered as someone who was passionate about helping children succeed. She viewed the positive influence she had on hundreds of students as her most significant accomplishment.

A celebration of Marcia’s life will be held at Flanner Buchanan-Broad Ripple, 1305 Broad Ripple Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220, on Saturday, May 21. Visitation from 10 am to 12 pm, with funeral service immediately following. Entombment will be at Washington Park North, Cemetery 2702 Kessler Blvd. W. Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46228. Please share an online memory or condolence of Marcia at www.flannerbuchanan.com

To livestream the Celebration of life service click here