Susan Tomlinson
April 11, 1956 ~ July 8, 2022
Susan Wingfield (Carlisle) Tomlinson, 66, Martinsville, beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and exceptional educator, passed away July 8, 2022. Susan was born April 11, 1956, in Indianapolis, to the late George E. Carlisle and Janet Wingfield (Murphy) Carlisle, who survives.
Susan graduated from Mooresville High School and continued her studies at Ball State University, from where she earned a B.S. degree in Social Studies Education and Secondary Education in 1977. She earned her M.A. degree in Secondary Education and U.S. and World History in 1982. Susan taught in Marion and Muncie before returning to Ball State where she lectured for several years and was the Project Director for the Center for Global Futures and Center for Gifted and Talented. Susan found her way to Mannheim, Germany and coordinated the gifted programs in two Department of Defense Dependents’ Schools. While there, Susan traveled extensively and took great advantage of the opportunity to learn and continue her own studies.
In 1992, Susan found herself at home in the Franklin Township Schools. She became the U.S. History and Sociology Teacher at the Middle School for ten years before transitioning to the High School until her retirement in June 2021. Her creative and high energy teaching style in the classroom created an emphasis on student involvement, current events, and global connections. She was a founding member of the Franklin Central High School Freshman Academy, the Thirst Project, and sponsor of the History Club. Susan was a mentor to countless first-year teachers, student interns, and student teachers through her career. During her last year of teaching, she was most proud of helping to co-found the CURE Project, Cultivating Understanding for Racial Equity.
Susan was named the Daughters of the American Revolution History Teacher of the Year, 3rd place nationally in 2021, Gilder Lehrman History Teacher of the Year in Indiana in 2018, Caleb Mills Indiana History Teacher of the Year by the Indiana Historical Society in 2017, Distinguished Teacher for the Indiana Council for Social Studies in 2009, and was named Indiana Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist by the Indiana Department of Education in 2009. Susan was awarded the Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship in 2014, availing her the opportunity to travel and research around the Adriatic Sea including Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. Susan’s love for teaching was second to none. She was a strong advocate for her students and fellow educators.
She was a member of the Indiana Council for Social Studies since 1982 and served as past president and board member, the Indiana Historical Society, and the Indianapolis Sister City International, Mayor’s Office of International and Cultural Affairs, Teacher and Student Outreach Committee President from 2011-2022. She was also very active in the International Global Village in Indianapolis for many years. Susan was also actively involved in Morgan County by serving on the board of the Morgan County Genealogical and Historical Association, and the Morgan County History Partnership as a Founding Member of the Morgan County History Museum Committee Member.
When not teaching or serving her profession or community, Susan’s life was full of horseback riding, camping, kayaking, reading, cooking, and writing. She was an avid traveler and enjoyed visiting 23 countries during her lifetime. Susan’s memory will be forever cherished by her loving family, adoring students, and fellow educators.
Susan is survived by her husband, Charles Tomlinson, to whom she was united in marriage August 14, 1976; her mother, Janet W. Carlisle; sisters, Anne C. (Phil) Gatts and Jenny C. (Vaughn) Goss; brother, Samuel E. (Santiago) Carlisle; her beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, and her adoring animals that were always a huge part of her life – ponies, horses, cats, and dogs.
Susan’s remarkable life will be celebrated July 22, 2022, 4 to 8 p.m., at the West Newton United Methodist Church, 6843 Mendenhall Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46221. The Life Celebration® Memorial Service will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 23, 2022, in the church. The service will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person by visiting https://www.youtube.com/c/WestNewtonUMC. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Newton United Methodist Church Stained Glass Fund or to the Morgan County History Center & Museum, by clicking here https://morgan.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1434. Envelopes will be available at the church.
Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the family. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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May your families be comforted by knowing she is resting in God’s hands forevermore. My cherished memories are of our childhood, most vividly of summer days spent in the best playhouse ever built! I also can see her, as a young teen, sitting crossed-leg on the floor, reading every single lyric of her new Tapestry album! Her beautiful, sparkling eyes and smile were always genuine and I am grateful to have known her. May bless her lovely family and friends with comfort. With admiration, Jane (Bernard) Giannoulas
With deepest sympathy to the Carlisle and Tomlinson family at Susan’s passing. My memories of Susan are tied to our early childhood in Mooresville. We shared Sunday school at the Methodist church, kindergarten, first grade and many years in Beth Lucus’s dance school. While our adult lives went different directions, I’ve so enjoyed reconnecting via social media. May you find comfort and love in these memories, Sincerely, Susann Cole Thompson
My deepest condolences on Susan’s passing. I also had three girls and a boy and lost a daughter a year ago. Susan’s accomplishments are outstanding. She will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Peggy (Potts) Shirar
I was so fortunate to work with Susan on history projects in Morgan County over the years. She was amazing person and a true educator. Her kind pleasant personality made it a joy to work with. My deepest condolences to her family. She will be greatly missed in our community.
Country Western in memory of Susan Wingfield Carlisle Tomlinson
Susan and I were in several classes together in school and I was blessed to be able to keep in touch with her from time to time by phone or internet. Susan and I would laugh and remember sleep overs and Girl Scouts, and normal school girl fun. I’ll always remember Susan as a caring, friendly, all inclusive girl who would always make you feel welcome in any conversation. I am sorry to hear of her passing, my heart goes out to her family and loved ones.
Susan and I taught together at Franklin Township Middle School. I felt able to face any challenges we were assigned with her on my team! She said when I first met her that if she was still a classroom teacher in 10 years to shoot her. Such a blessing for the students of Franklin Township that she changed her mind and a laugh we shared every year. The best teacher I ever knew !
I was just thinking about Girl Scout camp the morning. So many memories from a wonderful friend be known since grade school at Newby. You will be missed. Save me a seat at the table and order us a Shirley Temple✌️❤️ߙϰߏܰߌȰߦˢخ️ߤ˜
Susan will be sorely missed by so many and is finally at peace now. Ron and Jennifer (Quillen)Shoup
What a fabulous teacher who gave all she had and more to the children she taught! So happy to be her student. ❤
I had the distinct honor and privilege of teaching with Susan for five years at Franklin Central High School; the last four of which were in adjacent rooms as we taught in the Freshman Academy—Titan Team. What a phenomenal teacher she was and how blessed was I to be her teammate! I call those years “the Golden Years” as Susan ‘s brilliance as a historian and educator not only impacted our students but the educator team as well. Collaborating with Susan was exciting, impressive, and extremely rewarding. I will never forget our high tea while reading Dickens, our Veteran’s Day field trip, or the flag we created from our students’ photos of family members who served our country. I’m so sorry I will be out of town for her services but I send my heartfelt condolences to all of you. Marilyn Hasty
Susan was one of the most impactful teachers I’ve ever had. When I was a first year at FC in 2004, I’ll never forget a project where we did a report on a historical figure. She helped me follow my curiosity and interests and led me to Gloria Steinem. Susan’s guidance and teaching led me into an outlet for my passions. She also helped me start a “Make a Difference Week” as a senior. She was always a safe person for me to go to and I am so grateful for her. I’m heartbroken to hear of her death and will hold the memory of her in my heart closely.
My favorite high school teacher. She taught me smart and professional was beautiful, she noticed me on days I couldn’t notice myself. She stood up for me, she taught me many valuable lessons outside of school. She will forever be remembered in not only her family but her students as well. -Moriah Morgan, sophomore and junior year (2018/2019) sociology and history
Susan was a true shining star at Franklin Central. She will forever be remembered as a wonderful teacher/mentor, a lifelong learner and a caring, compassionate friend. Her legacy will last forever. Rest in peace, Susan. I will never forget your kindess or your dedication to making your tiny corner of the world (and really, the world at large!) a better place. Leslie Appleby FCHS Colleague and Friend
My name is Chris, I was a student of Mrs Tomlinsons sociology class back when I was in highschool. My best memory of her was being in her history club. I enjoyed everything she put together. I could tell she really cared for her students and im glad I was able to be in her class. I will really miss her but I know she’s in a better place. We love you Mrs. tomlinson…Rest in peace❤
Indiana is a MUCH better PLACE because of Susan’s leadership, energy, diverse endeavors, vision, collaborative spirit, and engagement!!! Without her, the Social Studies in Indiana would not be as impactful as they are today. THANK YOU, Susan, for your willingness to guide us all in the necessary direction! We will try not to fail you as we carry your vision into the future. Rest in PEACE our dear, dear friend!!!
It was a privilege and a joy to get to know Susan, her deep experience as an educator, and her passion for international engagement in the past few years. Her work in education and in global engagement is truly furthered through the many students, educators, and friends she connected with throughout her life. I am certainly richer for having known her. May her memory be a blessing for her numerous family, friends, colleagues, students, and fellow community members.
Remembering all the fun we had in school. Susan will be greatly missed by all. My heartfelt condolences to her family. I was lucky enough to be able to have called Susan my friend since the 6th grade. I will miss you.
Beautiful Daughter and Sister
No words can adequately describe Susan impact on people. She was an intelligent, considerate and engaged person in sharing her love of history. I knew her through Indianapolis Sister Cities International promoting international educational connections. Am especoally pleased she was able to visot Piran, Slovenia (Indianapolis Sister City) in 2014. May she rest in eternal peace.
Susan was a leader within the Indiana Council for the Social Studies when I began my career in education. Her efforts to bring relevant professional development to Social Studies educators, as well as inspirational guest speakers such as a participant in the Freedom Rides and an eyewitness to the Kent State massacre, were powerful in my understanding of the type of understanding that our discipline is capable of bringing to our society. Susan’s curiosity and giving will stay with me. I am grateful for her enormous contributions; may they continue to grow in their impact, and may she rest well.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Aunt Susan, Thank you for the excellent example of what it looks like to truly live and love. We will treasure you always.
Susan was a remarkable woman, educator, and friend, and I know she is missed dearly by all who knew her. I wish peace for Charlie and all her friends and family.
I loved her zeal to help others and her true love of teaching social studies. It is a real loss to the social studies community. She was always kind and so approachable. She is smiling now in Heaven as she was already an Angel here on Earth.
I will always remember Ms. Tomlinson as a remarkable educator and a warm, extremely kind person. She really cared about her students and she inspired me to travel the world through her lessons and the World Cultures Club at Franklin Central. I last spoke with Susan very recently about fundraising for my friend and her former student Dasha in Ukraine and she was extremely supportive. She also gave me some words of advice about looking after myself while grieving my father, which really touched me. Thank you for everything, Ms. Tomlinson, you will be dearly missed.
Mrs. Tomlinson was my all time favorite teacher! Even after I left seventh grade, I would always go visit her in between classes. Nobody could have been more thrilled, when I heard that she was making the move from Franklin Township Middle School to Franklin Central High! Mrs. Tomlinson was always so kind, her smile was the best! I was so excited when she agreed to come to the Marion County fairgrounds to watch me show my dog in the 4-H dog show! I have so many memories that I could go on forever. My heart and prayers go out to her family. Mrs. Tomlinson will always be in my heart! ~Love always, Liz
Indy International Festival…Susan would take her students to the event so that they understood the diverse world in which they lived and would become contributing members. Thousands of students benefited from these types of opportunities that she provided!!!