Marilyn L. Frank

Marilyn Frank was a beloved sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. An educator for 50 years in Washington Township Schools, Marilyn’s legacy impacted the lives of hundreds of children and colleagues. Known as an encouraging friend, supportive daughter, animal lover, hospitable hostess, and easygoing soul, her children and grandchildren will remember her as the fun, loyal, charismatic person she was.

Marilyn was a woman of many passions and talents. In addition to her career as an educator, she dedicated many years of her life to teaching within the musical arts. An extremely talented singer, dancer, and performer herself, Marilyn shared her gift freely and taught others to shine, too. Her creative spirit radiated as she wrote holiday shows for children to perform for their families and used her classroom piano to turn history lessons into musicals.

Those who knew Marilyn for any length of time can tell you that performing brought her great pleasure. One of her many joys was teaching jazz, ballet, and tap dance classes at Young Artists’ Studio. A gifted choreographer, she often worked alongside her sister, Judy, to put on Young Artists’ theatre productions at Footlite Musicals. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, the Frank family became well-known at Footlite, where Marilyn and her children performed in countless productions.

Some of Marilyn’s many accomplishments include performing as a teen with the USO at Camp Atterbury, Fort Harrison, and many other military installations around Indiana. She choreographed and performed in over 25 Footlite shows, winning the Indianapolis Encore Award for her choreography in Oklahoma in 1975. She was also a member of the Footlite Highlighters touring group that performed around Indianapolis for celebrations and corporate events. A few of her favorite creative experiences were playing Lottie in Mack and Mabel, dancing in Sondheim’s Follies, and choreographing Singing in the Rain.

Beyond her educational and theatrical accomplishments, Marilyn Frank was a wonderful friend and safe confidante. In the Indianapolis theatre community, she was known as a helpful and compassionate soul, giving freely of her energy and resources when another was in need. Even in her final years, Marilyn’s positivity and fortitude persisted regardless of the challenges she faced. She continued to bring joy to everyone around her, finding the lightness in every circumstance.

Marilyn Lee Mattox Frank died December 22, 2020. Although her fun-loving spirit and endless creativity will be sorely missed here on earth, we know she is dancing again even now in heaven with our Savior.

Marilyn is survived by her sister, Judy Bridgewater; her children: Jim Frank, Tracy Cook, Debbie Thomas, Jennifer Woods, and Tiffany Armstrong; as well as her 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Bernice Mattox and her brother, William Miles Mattox II.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held at a later date, closer to spring of 2021.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be donated in Marilyn’s honor to Footlite Musicals; Attn: Treasurer 1847 N Alabama Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 or by clicking HERE.