Ila Marie Westerman, 94, of Salem, Illinois and formerly of Weiner, Arkansas passed away Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Salem Township Hospital.Born October 5, 1928 in Weiner, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Arthur Henry and Velma Mae (Patton) Westerman.Teaching 1st grade and kindergarten prior to retirement, she held both a Bachelor and Masters degree in education. She was a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR and the Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, KY. She formerly taught at Westside School-Westside, AR, followed by positions at both Harrisburg, AR and Covington, KY. She was the Children’s Director and taught kindergarten at First Baptist Church, Lumberton, NC. She was presently a member of First Baptist Church, Salem, IL, a former Sunday School teacher, Awana leader and member of the Women’s Missionary Union. She had previously been a member at Weiner Baptist Church and Westside Baptist Church, Greers Ferry, AR.
Surviving are her sisters: Doris Wilson and husband Thomas of Marion, Alabama and Verna R. Piper of Salem, IL along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews. Also left to mourn her passing is a sister-in-law Irene Westerman of Mission Viejo, CA.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brothers: Charles “Webster” Westerman and W.A. Westerman.A Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church in Salem, Illinois on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 10:30am and a Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11:00am with Dr. Andy Dewitt officiating. Burial will take place on a later date at the Weiner Cemetery in Weiner, AR. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Salem, IL or to the First Baptist Church of Weiner, AR. and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home at 301 N. Broadway or P.O. Box 97 Salem, Illinois 62881, (618)548-1234, who is honored to be of service to Ila’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Home Facebook page.
