Anita Funches

Anita (Martin) Funches was born on July 3,1941 in Indianapolis, Indiana as one little girl in a set of identical twins to Mattie (Thomas) Martin and Devee Martin. At the tender age of 9, Anita accepted Christ into her life. She attended IPS grade school 37. In 1959, she graduated from Arsenal Technical High School and married Paul Funches. Together they raised four wonderful children: Lisa Funches Brittain, Paul Funches Jr., Jessica L. Funches, and Bonica Funches Carr. Anita earned her undergraduate degree from Indiana University and graduated from Butler University's Experiential Program for Preparing School Principals (EPPSP) before becoming one of the most influential elementary school principals in the history of the Indianapolis Public School system. After retiring from elementary education, Anita co-developed the educational licensing curriculum for Martin University. Her impact on local families was so profound that it spanned multiple generations within a family, as she educated children, their parents, and even their grandparents during her illustrious career. Anita's faith was deeply rooted in her family's history. Her grandfather, Samuel Thomas, founded Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church, which served as the family's spiritual home. When Anita and her sister, Bonita, were tweens, they traveled Indiana singing gospel music billed as the Martin Twins. They continued blessing churches and events with their voices for over 70 more years. Anita's beautiful voice graced Little Zion Baptist Church as the president of the Senior Choir. Every Christmas, the angelic voices of Anita and her twin sister, Bonita Rowley-Watford, would fill the air as they sang their favorite song, "Sweet Little Jesus Boy," a heartwarming tradition that will forever echo in the memories of those who were blessed to hear them. Anita (Martin) Funches, a beloved educator, singer, and matriarch, passed away on May 27, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Anita was preceded in death by her parents, Mattie (Thomas) Martin and Devee Martin, and her son, Paul (Cheryl) Funches Jr. She is survived by her twin sister, Bonita Rowley-Watford; her daughters, Lisa (Jerrold Sr.) Brittain, Jessica Funches, and Bonica (Frederick) Carr; her nieces, Anita Williams and Dina (Edward) Matthews; her nephews, Leslie (Aldora) Rowley Jr., John (Veronica) Rowley Sr., and Richard (Latosha) Rowley; her grandchildren, Jerrold (Monica) Brittain Jr., Makeala Brittain, Monique (Shimir) Bishop, Paul (Shayona) Funches III, Ashley Funches, Deja Funches, Jayla Carr, Alaya Carr, Kayla Carr, and Xavier Carr; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren and a host of great-nieces and nephews and other family members. Anita's legacy as an educator, singer, and loving family member will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her dedication to her faith, her passion for teaching, and her beautiful voice will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Anita Funches

July 3, 1941 - May 27, 2024