Sister Grace E. Hillenburg

On Monday, April 26, 2010 the Lord saw that she had done what she could, when she could and for as long as she could (St. Mark 14:8) and He decided that she needed a rest and He took her home to be with her dear husband of 59 years, Ernest R. Hillenburg, who died July 23, 2005. She was born in Brown County, Indiana on February 6, 1921 the daughter of Grover C. and Lillie V. (Hainline) Willoughby. Affectionately known as “Sister Grace”, she was a minister of the Gospel since the age of 15, first as an evangelist traveling throughout Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky and then was a pastor of the old Paynetown Pentecostal Church. She was pastor of the Westside Pentecostal Church for 45 years (1962-2007), when she retired at the age of 85. She was an inspiration to all whose lives she touched. She trained new ministers and officiated hundreds of weddings and funerals. She became well known for her Sunday morning radio ministry for 27 years and television ministry for 10 years. She is survived by two daughters, Brenda Jo Brinegar and her husband Dicky and Joyce Ann Perry and her husband Joey, all of Bloomington, two grandchildren, Bekki Acton and her husband Chris and Andy Empson and his wife Lisa. She had one great grandson, Brezden Thomas Acton. A great granddaughter is expected in July, 2010, Phoenix Skye Acton. She is also survived by three sisters, Iva Chambers of Bloomington, Regina Springer of Beech Grove and Lucille Sexton of Carmel as well as several nieces and nephews. She is also grateful for caregivers Gail Farrar and the staff of Southern Care Hospice. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, four brothers, Harold, Eugene, Woodford and Grover Dale Willoughby and three sisters; Mary Silena Clark, Virginia Maxine Eads and Lois Wootton. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday at Allen Funeral Home with Rev.’s Cheryl Crum and Glen “Buster” Woods officiating. Burial will be at Knightridge Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00-9:00 p.m. and one hour preceding the services on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to Westside Pentecostal Church or the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org.

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Sister Grace E. Hillenburg

February 6, 1921 - April 26, 2010