Remembering the vocalist and teacher Lexie Webster

July 13, 2025

Celebrate the life of the Indianapolis teacher and vocalist Lexie Webster, who passed away on June 24, 2025, at the age of 96. 

Lexie Webster was born in Indianapolis on June 20,1929. Her parents, James and Iva Staples, migrated to Indiana from Tennessee. Webster attended Crispus Attucks High School, graduating with honors at age 16. From there, she attended Knoxville College and later earned a master's degree in education from Indiana University. Webster worked as a kindergarten teacher for the Indianapolis Public School system for 35 years. During that time, she also performed as a vocalist with the Indianapolis Opera Company, Witherspoon Presbyterian Church and many other organizations.

Webster was the widow of the acclaimed Indianapolis jazz saxophonist Russell Webster. In 2023, Lexie Webster appeared on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, along with her daughter Bonita Webster-Coleman, to discuss Russell Webster’s musical legacy. Hear excerpts from their interview with WFYI’s Kyle Long, along with classic recordings from Russell Webster.