Barbara Jean Stevenson-Spurgon, a lifelong resident of Marion, Indiana, left behind a powerful legacy of service, education, cultural preservation, and creative expression. Her life was a testament to dedication–both to her family and to the community she deeply loved.
Born to Buris V. (Jones) Stevenson and Douglas Stevenson, Barbara grew up in Marion, where her roots ran deep. She attended school in the Marion Community School system from kindergarten through high school–starting at Clayton Brownlee Elementary, moving on to Martin Boots Junior High School, and graduating from Marion High School in the Class of 1966. Her early dream was to become a secretary, which she realized after earning a private secretarial degree from Indiana Business College. She worked for two years at Essex Wire and Cable Company and Foster-Forbes gaining professional experience while beginning her journey as a devoted mother.
Barbara’s true calling emerged as she participated in her children’s early school experiences. Inspired by the joy and fulfillment of teaching, she returned to school herself, enrolling at Indiana University Kokomo to pursue her Bachelor of Science degree in education. In 1978, she began her formal teaching career as a second-grade teacher in Marion Community Schools. When Martin Boots Elementary closed, she transitioned to McCulloch Middle School, where she went on to teach Math, Science, and Social Studies for over two decades. She ended her teaching career at Jones Junior High School.
Throughout her career, Barbara was known not just for her commitment to academics, but for the heart and passion she poured into her students’ lives. She founded the Multicultural Club to help students explore and appreciate diverse cultures and served as an academic coach for Social Studies. Her classroom was a place of learning, understanding, and encouragement.
Barbara’s commitment to growth was lifelong. She earned her Master of Education degree from Ball State University and became a respected leader in local professional circles. She served for years as the secretary of the Marion Teachers Association and was active on the state Minority Affairs Committee. Her influence extended well beyond the classroom walls.
A driving force in local history and civil rights work, Barbara was a founding board member and leader of the Grant County Black History Council. Her work with the Council helped preserve the oral histories of African Americans in the region and awarded scholarships to students pursuing higher education. She also lent her voice and talents to the Marion Urban League, the NAACP Marion Branch, and the Grace Missionary Baptist Church, faithfully serving as secretary in each organization.
Barbara’s gifts as a writer were profound. She honed her skills through the Long Ridge Writing Group’s “Breaking Into Print” course and went on to publish several works that reflect her love for history and storytelling. These include An Oral History of African Americans in Grant County, Have You Ever Made Mud Pies On A Hot Summer Day?, and Old Silent One & Fresh Water Fishing, a two-story children’s collection. Her poem, “Old Silent One”, was even selected by celebrated poet Nikki Giovanni and published in Giovanni’s book Grandfathers–a point of deep pride for Barbara, who had taken Giovanni’s African American Literature classes during summer sessions at IU Kokomo.
Barbara was a woman of faith and purpose. She remained active in her church, Grace Missionary Baptist Church, in Marion, Indiana, serving as secretary and carrying her love for scripture–particularly Psalm 23–with her always. Even in retirement, she continued to inspire others through writing, sewing, and community involvement.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband, James A. Spurgon. Together, they shared a blended family of eight children and fourteen grandchildren. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Dr. Stacey (David) Hunt and Dr. Ian (Kirstin Eismin) Henry; step-children Jacqueline (Bryan) Goodwin, Kevin (Janice) Spurgon, Chad Spurgon, William “Billy” (Allegra Churchill) Henry, and Charles Faulkner; her siblings, Daisy A. Dodson and Albert (Bettye) Stevenson; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, students, and community members whose lives she touched.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas and Buris (Jones) Stevenson; son, Mark Anthony Stevenson; and daughter Elizabeth Anne Henry. Barbara was the youngest child of nine siblings and was preceded in death by her brother, Fred Stevenson, and sisters, Sylvia “Babe” Stevenson, Ruby Stevenson-Hayes, Priscilla “Pat” (Stevenson) Cannon, Dorothy (Stevenson) Bigsby, and Mary Lou (Stevenson) Richardson.
Barbara Stevenson-Spurgon’s life was rich with meaning, service, and impact. She uplifted generations through her unwavering commitment to education, her storytelling, and her stewardship of Black history in Grant County. Her spirit will forever be felt in the halls she taught, the pages she wrote, and the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.
The family will receive visitors from 9:30 am to 11:30 am on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Grace Missionary Baptist Church, 2409 S. Nebraska St., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Barbara’s life will begin at 11:30 am. Rev. William Gibson, Rev. Latanya Smith, Rev. Stanford Bolden, and Dr. Larry Batchelor will be officiating with burial taking place at Grant Memorial Park.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
