It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of April Jo Heitman, who left us on Thursday, March 26th, 2026. Born November 8, 1982, and raised in Centralia, April graced this world with her kindness and vibrant spirit for 43 years. She is the daughter of Edward Clem Bounds III and Louise (Wood) Bounds. On April 10, 2021, April and Ian Heitman were married in Walnut Hill. They had a small, intimate service, and April said she married her best friend. She was blessed to spend her days with her soulmate Ian, and he survives in Centralia.
April is survived by her parents and was a devoted wife to her loving husband, Ian Heitman. Devoted mother to: Liliauna Bounds, Mariah Bounds, and Dustin Ford, all of Centralia, and stepmother to Justice Heitman of Nashville and Aidan Heitman of Centralia, and her step-granddaughter: Stormie Heitman. April loved her children; sharing and spending time with them was precious to her. She was very proud of her children. She shared a close bond with her best friend, Jessica Dehn, who stood by her side through all seasons of April’s life. April will always be remembered as a beautiful free spirit, enjoying cherished moments with family and friends, and having a special place in her heart for her canine companions, Squirt and Daisy Mae.
Though life presented its challenges, April found strength in her faith as a member of the Bakers Street Baptist Church in Walnut Hill. She carried her Baptist faith into her daily life, spreading positivity wherever she went. Her family roots were strong, and she is lovingly remembered by her siblings, Tracy Shumate(Mike), Edward Clem Bounds IV,(Christina), and Matthew J Bounds, who lovingly shared his birthday with his baby sister April on November 8, eight years apart. They shared a close relationship and a lot of fun, aggravating each other, and had their secret hand signal. April is also survived by several nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles who loved and spoiled her.
April’s career was one of compassion and dedication, having served as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Fireside Nursing Home in Centralia for 13 years. Her commitment to care for others was evident to both her colleagues and the residents she lovingly attended to. April’s legacy is one of love, faith, and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her grandmothers: Alfreda Williams and Faye Wood; her 2 1/2 year old sister Tonya Ann Bounds; and her nephew Colton Bounds Cluck
In light of her passing, the family has chosen cremation rites, and they plan to honor her life with a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, April 25, at 11:00 am at the Baker Street Baptist Church in Centralia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family. They will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to April’s family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
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