Miriam A. Vessels

Miriam Ann Vessels, age 88, of New Palestine passed away June 21, 2026. Miriam was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on May 16, 1938, to Mozelle Ida Goray and Julius Clarence Vessels. She graduated from Gadsden High School in Alabama and went on to earn her Bachelor of Music from Howard College (now Samford University) and her Master of Music from Indiana University.

Miriam worked as Executive Assistant to the Vice President for EFS Services (now Nelnet), a student loan servicing company. In addition, she was a church organist, piano teacher, and accompanist, including for the Indianapolis Opera. Miriam was a member of the American Guild of Organists and the Association of Disciples Musicians.

Miriam was preceded in death by her parents, Julius Vessels and Mozelle (Goray) Watters; her brothers, William and James Vessels; and her niece, Paula Vessels.

Miriam is survived by her children, Donald Winslow (Karen Bays-Winslow), Emily Winslow (Stanley “Guy” Davis), Evelyn (Eugene “Bill”) Johnson, and Clara Winslow; her grandchildren, Julius and Arianna Johnson, Austin and Zachary Davis, Aspen Winslow, Forest and Rowan Winslow, and Colin Row; her niece, Terri Vessels Wound; and her ex-spouse, Charles Winslow.

The family will hold a private scattering of ashes. A public memorial service to celebrate Miriam’s life will be held at 3pm on July 11th at Downey Avenue Christian Church, 111 S. Downey Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46219.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the homeless outreach organization AZ HUGS (azhugs.org) or to Downey Avenue Christian Church (downeyavenue.com/give).

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book and share messages of condolence with the family.