Marla Madinger Williams

Marla Madinger Williams, 65, passed away on August 17, 2021. Marla was born in Indianapolis on January 14, 1956 to the late William G. and Helen H. (Curtis) Madinger. She cherished fond memories of time in her early years with her loving grandparents, Cassius P. and Helen S. Curtis, who taught her the meaning of unconditional love and filled her imagination with wild stories. Her passion for music began at a young age, as a student of James P. Lamberson (Jim) at Northwood Christian Church. Jim so generously shared his love and practical knowledge of music and music history, which inspired Marla to live a life surrounded by the arts. Marla was a Class of 1974 graduate of North Central High School, where she was a member of Descants, Counterpoints, and the handbell choir. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Evansville in Music and Theatre, where she was a member of The Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and spent a life changing semester abroad at Harlaxton Manor in England. Marla went on to earn a Masters in Arts Administration from The Florida State University.

Marla married Gregory B. Williams on December 11, 1982. The two shared 39 years together raising two children, producing films and television series, and enjoying time with friends and family. In her professional career, Marla worked in public relations and fund-raising as a writer/editor for the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Indiana Repertory Theatre, and the Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida. Moving into the world of film production, Marla specialized in writing, blocking, and directing on-camera talent, casting, dialogue coaching, and documentary interviewing. She was trained in makeup, wardrobe/costuming, props, sets/locations, and wrote extensively for public relations, fund-raising, and documentary video clients. She worked as a location producer for all of the major national television network news and sports centers. Marla was nominated for a national Emmy Award for a segment she produced for ABC News: Primetime.

Marla was a passionate person with a loving heart and great capacity for empathy. She leaves behind her love of cultural and culinary exploration, her gift for telling stories, and her incredible sense of humor. Marla was a master of puzzles, had an insatiable appetite for mysteries from the local library, and adored the glamour and productions of old Hollywood, which she relentlessly researched to learn stories about what was happening both in front of and behind the camera. She loved the people around her fiercely. Marla was a source of inspiration, hope, and joy, and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include: Spouse Gregory B. Williams; Children: James Williams (Melissa), Sarah Williams Gonzales (Marcos); Brothers: Mark W. Madinger (Patricia) and Brian C. Madinger (Suzanne); Niece: Ellen Madinger; Grandchildren: Cooper and Camden Williams.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at Flanner and Buchanan Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Blvd W Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46228. A Tea Party celebrating Marla’s life will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marla’s memory by designating support for the James P. Lamberson Memorial Fund at the University of Indianapolis.