Ila Mae Anderson

Ila Mae Anderson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully on August 21, 2023 at Heritage Pointe in Cookeville, TN. She was born on July 30, 1931 in Jackson County, Tennessee to the late William Sewell and Pearlie Medlin Birdwell.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Oliver Anderson, who died in 2018. She was preceded in death also by three brothers, Robert, Otis and William Birdwell, two sisters, Olar V. Fox and Nola Birdwell and by a daughter-in-law, Samantha Anderson.

Ila Mae is survived by one brother, Ermon C. Birdwell and leaves behind a legacy of love in her children, Shirley (David) Flatt of Cookeville, Linda (Charles) Crawford of Sparta, and Stanley Anderson of Cookeville. She was the proud grandmother and deeply loved by her grandchildren, Dana (Larry) Wilmoth, Erica (Stephen) Stafford, Elizabeth (Joseph) Kase, Sarah (Robert) Brady, Jared Anderson, Ann Marie Anderson, and Sammy Anderson and by her great-grandchildren, Riley and Colin Wilmoth, Mae and Amelia Stafford, Preston and Lorelei Kase, Arabelle, Ellington, Eisley, and Avelynn Brady.

Ila Mae worked in clothing retail for many years, but above all, she was a dedicated homemaker, always putting the needs of her family first. Her home was a place of warmth and love where everyone was always welcomed. She was a talented seamstress, often creating beautiful clothing for her family and friends. She was known for her good cooking, particularly her peach cobbler, fried apple hand pies, chocolate pies and chicken and dumplings.

She was a member of the Church of Christ from her teen-age years. Most recently, she was a member of the Cookeville Church of Christ. Her faith was a significant part of her life and it guided her actions and beliefs. Those who knew her will recall a woman who was not only kind and loving, but also a righteous lady who was devoted to the Lord. She was known for her sweet nature, her devotion to her family and faith, and her love of laughter.

Funeral services honoring Ila Mae will be at 10:00 am Friday, August 25 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Bro. David Flatt will officiate. Interment will follow the service at Crest Lawn Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Thursday, August 24 from 4 - 8 pm and again on Friday from 9 am until time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer TN Cumberlands, 390 S. Lowe Ave., Suite I, Cookeville, TN 38501.

Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share your condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.