Mary Alice James Horton, of Aurora, IN passed away on Friday, January 12, 2018, at her home surrounded by her loving and supportive family.
She was born June 4, 1953, in Vincennes, IN, daughter of Gerald V. James and the late Alice Oleva James.
She was a life member of St. John Lutheran Church. Mary Alice was very involved in church activities, including Bible School, Sunday School, Choir and the Bell Choir.
Mary Alice Horton was passionate about her community, literacy, and teaching.
Through her service as Director of the Aurora Public Library for 35 years, 1982 – 2017, she was involved in various outreach projects designed to help create a better community. She partnered with the local schools to bring additional library services to the youth of the district, continually brought Theatre IV to the community to make theatre accessible to everyone, and partnered with the Hoosier Hills Literacy League to introduce the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to the community where children age birth to five would receive through the mail a book monthly to promote early literacy.
Her passion led her to enhance library services by expanding services to children and developing intellectually stimulating programs for adults such as Talk About Aurora, author talks, book discussions, computer instruction and other life skill programs. She found a rock to support her through this illness from her fellow members of The Breast Cancer Support Group of Dearborn County.
Mary Alice spearheaded the Patriot’s Day Service to honor police and first responders after the events on 9/11. She was also committed to the community through supporting other various organizations like partnering with MainStreet Aurora on America in Bloom, the Community Picnic, and Miracle on Main Street events and serving on the board for Hillforest Historical House Museum.
With her leadership, Mary Alice, directed the Board of Trustees to remodel and expand the Aurora Public Library location, established a new branch facility in Dillsboro, acquire, converting the Historic Aurora Depot as a local history library and establishing a branch at Carnegie Hall in Moores Hill. She also worked and was able to see River View Cemetery added to the National Registry of Historic Places.
In 2017 she was awarded both the Women of Distinction award from the Dearborn County Chamber of Commerce and the Council of the Sagamores of the Wabash award from the State of Indiana, the highest honor for a civilian in the state of Indiana. This was awarded to her for her service to the state of Indiana.
Mary Alice has encouraged library staff to pursue higher education opportunities to better perform the functions of their jobs and to attain career goals. She has inspired many of her staff, colleagues, and community partners to stretch their abilities, to think creatively and to engage in problem-solving.
On a personal note, Mary Alice has nurtured and supported two daughters, a sibling, and a nephew. For over 20 years she has provided a home and cared for her aging parents. During a nearly three-year struggle with a vicious and aggressive illness, she has been an example of courage, strength, and dignity, inspiring her medical team, fellow patients, and friends…all while continuing to fulfill her personal and professional obligations.
Surviving are her loving husband, Michael Horton of Aurora, IN; children, Michaela Horton (Gunnar) Hoffman of Indianapolis, IN, Morgan Horton of Aurora, IN, Brent (Abby) Horton of Rushville, IN; father, Gerald V. James of Aurora, IN; siblings, Jeri A (Marisella) James of Ft. Lauderdale, FL., Joseph E. (Sue Mori) James of Port St. Lucy, FL, Lora I James of Aurora, IN; grandchildren, Lillian Grace Rayne Horton, Ainsley Kay Horton, Trey Abbott,and Harleigh Abbot. She was preceded in death by Mother, Alice Oleva James, and Brother, Robert James.Mary Alice will be missed by her family friends and church family.
Friends will be received Friday, January 19, 2018, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the St. John Lutheran Church (Bellaire),4937 State Rd. 48Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Services will be held at St. John Lutheran Church (Bellaire), January 19, 2018, at 8:00 pm with Pastor Matthew Voyer officiating.
Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life (James-Horton Family & Friends) or Aurora Public Library District. If unable to attend services, please call the funeral home office at (812)926-1450 and we will notify the family of your donation with a card.
Visit: www.rullmans.com