{"id":93153,"date":"2025-04-15T19:09:51","date_gmt":"2025-04-15T23:09:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/?p=93153"},"modified":"2025-04-15T19:09:51","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T23:09:51","slug":"barbara-jean-stevenson-spurgon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/?p=93153","title":{"rendered":"Barbara Jean Stevenson-Spurgon"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\t\r\njQuery(document).ready(function () {var html = '<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\" data-ad-layout-key=\"-gw-3+1f-3d+2z\" data-ad-client=\"0531879237494766\" data-ad-slot=\"5600453644\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\\\/script><\/br>';\r\n    jQuery(html).insertAfter(\".elementor-widget-theme-post-content\");\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\tvar html1 = '<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-format=\"autorelaxed\" data-ad-client=\"0531879237494766\" data-ad-slot=\"9212395598\"><\/ins><script>(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\\\/script><\/br>';\r\n    jQuery(html1).insertBefore(\".elementor-element-156402f\");\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n});\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/\/pagead\/js\/?client=0531879237494766\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"0531879237494766\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"4268950360\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     ().push({});\r\n<\/script>\r\n\r\n \r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\t\r\njQuery(document).ready(function () {var html = '<ins class=\"\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\" data-ad-layout-key=\"-gw-3+1f-3d+2z\" data-ad-client=\"0531879237494766\" data-ad-slot=\"5600453644\"><\/ins><script>(=window. || []).push({});<\\\/script><\/br>';\r\n    jQuery(html).insertAfter(\"div.elementor-element.elementor-element-31b33ad.elementor-widget.elementor-widget-image\");\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\tvar html1 = '<ins class=\"\" style=\"display:block\" data-ad-format=\"autorelaxed\" data-ad-client=\"0531879237494766\" data-ad-slot=\"9212395598\"><\/ins><script>(=window. || []).push({});<\\\/script><\/br>';\r\n    jQuery(html1).insertBefore(\"div.elementor-element.elementor-element-e95eabd.elementor-widget.elementor-widget-image\");\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n});\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/\/pagead\/js\/.js?client=0531879237494766\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"\"\r\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"0531879237494766\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"4268950360\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     ( = window. || []).push({});\r\n<\/script>\r\n\r\n <img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-93154\" src=\"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Thumbnail_1-4.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"339\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Thumbnail_1-4.webp 339w, https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Thumbnail_1-4-231x300.webp 231w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 339px) 100vw, 339px\" \/>\r\n<div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nBarbara 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.\r\n\r\nBorn 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.\r\n\r\nBarbara\u2019s 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.\r\n\r\nThroughout her career, Barbara was known not just for her commitment to academics, but for the heart and passion she poured into her students\u2019 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.\r\n\r\nBarbara\u2019s 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.\r\n\r\nA 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.\r\n\r\nBarbara\u2019s gifts as a writer were profound. She honed her skills through the Long Ridge Writing Group\u2019s \u201cBreaking Into Print\u201d 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 &amp; Fresh Water Fishing, a two-story children\u2019s collection. Her poem, \u201cOld Silent One\u201d, was even selected by celebrated poet Nikki Giovanni and published in Giovanni\u2019s book Grandfathers--a point of deep pride for Barbara, who had taken Giovanni\u2019s African American Literature classes during summer sessions at IU Kokomo.\r\n\r\nBarbara 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.\r\n\r\nBarbara 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 \u201cBilly\u201d (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.\r\n\r\nShe 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 \u201cBabe\u201d Stevenson, Ruby Stevenson-Hayes, Priscilla \u201cPat\u201d (Stevenson) Cannon, Dorothy (Stevenson) Bigsby, and Mary Lou (Stevenson) Richardson.\r\n\r\nBarbara Stevenson-Spurgon\u2019s 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.\r\n\r\nThe 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.\r\n\r\nImmediately 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.\r\n\r\nArrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral &amp; Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.\r\n\r\nMemories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div>\r\n<div class=\"obituary-description__store\">To send flowers to the family of Barbara, please\u00a0<a class=\"obituary-description__store--link\" href=\"https:\/\/needhamstoreywampner-north-chapel.tributestore.com\/?oId=42019891&amp;tag=&amp;source=tco_description&amp;_cdx=GA1.2.1050496179.1738002651:GS1.1.1744756971.33.1.1744757730.53.0.0&amp;tcouuid=0c6a6d3e-f659-4bcd-b6e6-53c05ead3b86&amp;mtph=1\" rel=\"noopener\">visit our floral store.<\/a><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n<div class=\"obituary-description__store\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script  src=\"https:\/\/\/pagead\/js\/.js?client=0531879237494766\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"\"\r\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\r\n     data-ad-layout=\"in-article\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"0531879237494766\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"2870348528\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     ( = window. || []).push({});\r\n<\/script>\r\n \r\n<script  src=\"https:\/\/\/pagead\/js\/?client=0531879237494766\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block; text-align:center;\"\r\n     data-ad-layout=\"in-article\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"0531879237494766\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"2870348528\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     ().push({});\r\n<\/script>\r\n ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8211;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 &#8230; <a title=\"Barbara Jean Stevenson-Spurgon\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/?p=93153\" aria-label=\"Read more about Barbara Jean Stevenson-Spurgon\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":93154,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[261],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-93153","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-obituaries-2"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Thumbnail_1-4.webp","rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Thumbnail_1-4.webp",339,440,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Thumbnail_1-4.webp",339,440,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Thumbnail_1-4.webp",339,440,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Thumbnail_1-4-150x150.webp",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Thumbnail_1-4-231x300.webp",231,300,true],"large":["https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Thumbnail_1-4.webp",339,440,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Thumbnail_1-4.webp",339,440,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Thumbnail_1-4.webp",339,440,false]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Wade Weaver","author_link":"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/?author=3"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"<a href=\"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/?cat=261\" rel=\"category\">Obituaries2<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"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&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/93153","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=93153"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/93153\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":93155,"href":"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/93153\/revisions\/93155"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/93154"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=93153"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=93153"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/masterzradio.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=93153"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}