Susan Tomlinson

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.