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Sister Grace E. Hillenburg
Date Of Birth:February 6, 1921
Date Of Death:April 26, 2010
Service Date:2:00 p.m. Friday
Allen Funeral Home

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.


  • From: Larry Thompson
    Location:Fishers, In

    So sorry to here that Sister Grace had passed on. I know she will be greatly missed. I always remember her while growing up in the Shady Spring fellowship / Scotland church & from Tunnel Hill Church. I always love hearing her Preach and Testify She findly was able to go where we all hope for one day Will be thinking of you all


  • From: Mark Blackburn
    Location:Garland, Texas

    It is sad when we lose someone we have known for a lifetime. I will always cherish the times that I went with Rev. Henry Skinner to tent meetings, brush arbors and revivals with Sister Grace. She was always upbeat and positive for God. Her reward is greatly deserved. I am blessed to have known her and I feel for her family's loss.


  • From: Lori Meadows
    Location:Bloomington

    I'm so sorry for your loss! Sister Grace was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed! I personally thank her for teaching about Jesus and his love for even me... Lori Ann Meadows


  • From: barbara winders
    Location:bloomington

    Dear Brenda, I am sorry to see that your Mother has passed over but I know that she hasn't been well lately and that you have worked very hard to make sure that her last days were comfortable and happy. I am sure you know that she is at peace now, with the God she has worshipped all her life, and that now it is time for you to take care of yourself a little bit. my sincere condolances to you and your family. barbe winders


  • From: Leanna (grandaughter of Mary) Hamm
    Location:Bloomington

    Grace was a Great Woman who touched all! She will be greatly missed but we all know she is dancing in heaven now.


  • From: Jeanette Richart
    Location:Bloomington

    Brenda and Dick so sorry for your loss


  • From: Sarah (Perry) Jones
    Location:Springville Indiana

    So sorry for the loss of Sister Grace. She truly was a great minister from my childhood. She always made the Perry Family welcome (all 10 of us kids)! As a child, I can always remember listening to her every Sunday on the Radio. You are in our thoughts and prayers!


  • From: Teresa Boltinghouse
    Location:Bloomington

    I grew up hearing Sister Grace preach the word of God. What a joy she was. My prayers are with her family.


  • From: Susan Chambers (Lawson)
    Location:Norman

    Sister grace made a huge impact on my life and her teachings provided a life long love of god for me and my family. I am so sorry for your loss.


  • From: ruth ann roberts
    Location:seymour

    Dear Brenda, Just received my Bloomington paper, Wednesdays edition, sorry to read about your mother. It reads as though she had a good, long, busy life. Say hello to Dicky and Bekki for me. Ruth Ann