Alta Fern Greenwood

Alta Fern Greenwood, known affectionately as Frances, passed away on August 5, 2024, at the age of 95 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Born on January 5, 1929, in Parmleysville, Kentucky, she was the daughter of Martin and Ola (Burnett) Gibson.

Frances was a beacon of love and friendship, cherished for her caring nature and devotion to her family and faith. She embarked on her career journey as a waitress in the early 50s, later finding a fulfilling role as a baker at Northview Junior High School in the 60s, among various other positions. Above all, she took pride in her role as a mother, a job she considered her greatest achievement.

From her childhood, Frances was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church in Parmleysville, where she committed her life to her Savior and was baptized at age seven in the Little Cumberland River. In the mid-60s she joined the Mormon church and was actively involved for the next 20 years. During her golden years she returned to her Baptist faith.

Her passion for Southern Gospel Music was evident in her dedication to attending concerts, especially the annual "Singing In The Smokies." She held a special admiration for Pastor Mike Holcomb, the bass singer of The Inspirations.

Frances is survived by her loving daughter and two sons, Cynthia (Dennis) Long, Greg and his wife Dorothy Greenwood, Timothy (Terry) Greenwood, and companion Bobby R. Fields Jr. She also leaves behind five grandchildren, Lara Washington, Elizabeth (Todd) Bishop, Cami (Rob) Smith, Matthew (Heidi) Greenwood and Crystal (Steve) Smith, and fifteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Ola Gibson, her husband Thomas E. Greenwood, her sons James B. Shaw and infant son Thomas Perry Greenwood, her sister Ida Monroe, and her brother Curt Gibson and half-sister Myrtle Gregory, Dela Watters and Louise.

A service to celebrate Frances's life will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 12:00pm, at Indiana Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis, IN. Family and friends are welcome to gather from 10:00am – 12:00pm at the funeral home for a visitation prior to service. Frances will be laid to rest in Washington Park North Cemetery in Indianapolis, IN. 

 In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saint Jude Hospital for Children in her memory. Frances's legacy of love, faith, and kindness will forever be cherished by those who knew her.

Indiana Funeral Care is honored to be assisting the family with the services.