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Ilma Ladonna Oates

Jun 12, 1939 – Dec 28, 2020

Service Details

There will be a public visitation on Sunday January 10, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic the Homegoing Service will be PRIVATE at 2:00 p.m. and is by invitation only. However, it will be live streamed on January 10th beginning at 2:00 p.m. with her nephew, Pastor Roy Carter officiating. Please see the link below.

https://youtu.be/w8BFLrMXM1g

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Miller's Flowers

Ilma Ladonna Oates(Hadley) received her wings on December 28th.

She was born in Centralia, IL on June 12,1939 to the late Robert and Anna Hadley. They relocated to Racine when she was young where she attended Lakeside school. She married her husband, Fred Oates, on April 21, 1983. She was employed at Western Printing and J. I Case for numerous years.  In her later years she was determined to go back to school where she earned her G.E.D from Gateway Technical College.  She also went to college to enhance her skills while working at Ganton (formerly Racine Die Casting) where she later retired.

Ilma started her salvation at Wayman A.M.E Church where she served faithfully thru singing in their choir. She then went to increase her relationship with God at Greater Grace Temple COGIC and Word of Life Church. In both, she created many lasting lifelong friendships. During her last few years she really enjoyed worshiping and fellowshipping at Hope City church. She always talked about how friendly the people were. Even when they had to go virtual, she spoke on how easy it was to connect.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed crocheting–making beautiful scarfs, hats, sweaters, vests and so much more for so many people. She always found ways to keep her mind active. She was a thrifty shopper and loved gardening. Ilma loved being surrounded by family–especially when it came to her special great-grand children-Jermaine, Adrian, Ayden and Kimora aka Momo. Anytime you called her she would be babysitting one, two, three or all four of them. The family gatherings were some of her favorite times also.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, George Miller; her sisters: Jeanette,  Norma, Sandra, Bobbi Jo and Eleanore; her brothers: Paul, Gilbert, Kenneth and Tommy. Grandsons: Maurice Hadley and Joshua Steven Tyler.

Leaving to cherish her memories are her husband, Fred Oates; Sister: Mary (William ) Brown of Euless, TX; brother: Barry (Shirley)Hadley of Hendersonville, NC; sister-in-law: Yvonne Hadley of St Charles, MO; Children: Talana Hadley, Steven Hadley (Atlanta, GA), Melinda Hadley(Eaton), Sophia Tina Marie Miller, Toni Miller, Marcey Miller-Barnes (Shanroy). special niece, Tammi Shareef, special nephew, Pastor Roy Carter. Stepchildren: Debra Turner and Douglas Oates(North Carolina) . Grandchildren: Damika Duckworth, TaNesha Elam, Steven Hadley Jr(Atlanta, GA), Cameron Johnson, Camri Miller and Zuriel Lott; special Godson, Tyler Hadley and a host of great-grand children, great-great grandchildren, family, and friends.

https://youtu.be/w8BFLrMXM1g

https://youtu.be/w8BFLrMXM1g
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Guestbook Entries

  1. Jermaine, Stephanie and the Kids says

    December 30, 2020 at 12:00 pm

    Granny will be misses dearly. My whole family loves her. Our prayers are with you all during this difficult time. We love you.

  2. Yvonne Klyce says

    December 30, 2020 at 1:47 pm

    May God bless you and your family and keep you in my prayers

  3. Sally Cobbler says

    December 30, 2020 at 2:23 pm

    RIPIH my beautiful auntie.. You were very special in my life..Love you auntie..Always in my heart💖love your niece Sally🙏🏾💖😇

  4. Camri says

    December 30, 2020 at 2:44 pm

    Imma miss you forever my love ❤️

  5. With Love, Aris & Mekhi says

    December 30, 2020 at 3:03 pm

    Granny,
    We will never forget your smile and laughter! We will miss your earthly presence, but you will never leave our hearts. ❤️ May God continue to comfort the family during this season.

  6. Aletha Kimmons Slaughter says

    December 30, 2020 at 3:12 pm

    Praying for the family so sorry for your loss

    The Kimmons Family

  7. Anonymous says

    December 30, 2020 at 3:31 pm

    You will be missed Alma our talks about old times and who we know
    With love Marilyn

  8. Johnny and Lynda Jackson says

    December 30, 2020 at 3:33 pm

    Our Condolences to llma’s Family. She will be missed, the laughter, her smile and willingness to share her wisdom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Johnny and Lynda Jackson

  9. SUE SWEETMAN says

    December 30, 2020 at 4:30 pm

    LOVE YOU IILMA, WHAT A BLESSING FROM GOD TO BE YOUR “ YOUR DAUGHTER FROM A DIFFERENT MOTHER’
    WE WILL MEET AGAIN.
    LOVE SUE

  10. Cherry &Linda Campbell(kenosha) says

    December 30, 2020 at 5:21 pm

    Our prayers and condolences to the family of llma such a happy loving lady.🙏🙏

  11. Barry Hadley says

    December 30, 2020 at 6:07 pm

    My sister Ilma’s love and warm spirit will live forever in the lessons she taught, the humor she gave, and in the hearts of her family. Our prayers go out to her husband Fred and all her children, grandchildren, great-grand children, and great-great-grand children in this time of loss. Remember, in your sorrow; take comfort that she is at home in the Kingdom of Heaven. Love, Barry and Shirley

  12. Yvonne Davidson says

    December 30, 2020 at 7:28 pm

    My condolences to Ilma Oates family so sorry for your loss, I remember working with Ilma at Intermet “aka” Ganton and going to school with her at Gateway Technical, she was so much fun at work and school she will be missed. Rest in Peace my friend.

  13. Reverend David R. Green/Gregg Chapel says

    December 30, 2020 at 9:02 pm

    I journeyed with Sister Ilma and the Hadley family at Wayman AME. Sister Ilma always recognized the value as most of her family did in serving God. We send our sincere condolences to the family. Uplifting you in God’s care.

  14. Diane dawkins says

    December 30, 2020 at 9:23 pm

    To Marcey and family sorry to hear of
    the lost of your mom. I know that she is now living in one of God’s mansion

  15. Nicole Urquhart says

    December 31, 2020 at 6:42 am

    Our prayers are with the family.

  16. Alice Evans- Gibson says

    December 31, 2020 at 7:37 am

    Such a beautiful person she was i meet her last year for the 1st time ever and I enjoyed her so much….RIP Mrs.Oates

  17. Renee Hadley & Family, Minneapolis, MN says

    December 31, 2020 at 9:55 am

    From across the miles, our love and prayers are with the entire Family.

  18. Brandi Jackson says

    December 31, 2020 at 3:30 pm

    Thinking of Granny will always make me smile and probably laugh. You’ve left a wonderful impression on me. Love and blessings to the family!

  19. Winston Family says

    December 31, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    So sorry to hear of Mama IIma passing. She always had a smile for everyone. Such a warm spirit. She will be truly missed. Praying for the family

  20. Tasha Wilson says

    December 31, 2020 at 5:49 pm

    Thanks for all the love you have shown me! You never treated me differently and I’ll always be grateful for that. ❤

  21. Kevin Hadley says

    December 31, 2020 at 5:59 pm

    Rip my aunt thank you for your sense of humor I got mine from you
    ONE LOVE

  22. Sherry Rogers says

    January 1, 2021 at 5:40 am

    I will always cherish our moments, & laughter.
    Thank you for your word’s of wisdom, your strength, your kindness,
    You are miss RIP.
    Love you Black Beauty 💖

  23. Ms. Debra Turner & Family says

    January 1, 2021 at 8:10 am

    So sorry for your loss. Mrs. Alma was a wonderful woman of God. May she rest in paradise. Sending condolences to the family. Our thoughts are prayers are with you.

  24. Ann Kirkwood and Family says

    January 1, 2021 at 11:28 pm

    To the family of Illma:
    May you find comfort in knowing that Illma accepted the Lord as her savior. She was a”rock “in her family. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolences and prayers for the family.

  25. Minnie Jackson says

    January 2, 2021 at 6:36 pm

    To the family: So sorry for your loss. She would keep you in stitches. The world is going to miss her sweet spirit. With much love.

  26. Theresa ( Terrie ) Mitchell- Peterson says

    January 2, 2021 at 8:23 pm

    I had the pleasure of working with Ilma at a packaging place called custom Packaging early 8o’s on Racine Street . We became great friends. I Remember when she got married I went to her wedding reception I believe it was at some sort of Masonic Temple off Racine street It was the early eighties But anyways It was a great wedding Ilma Had the best sense of humor of anyone I have yet to meet. It was a story and a laugh a min. I also remember that she had beautiful daughters and they were always in some sort of debutant ball something like that dressed to the nine. We both moved on and lost contact. But she was one of those people you meet along life’s journey That you never forget A beautiful soul with the gift of humor and a loving and kind heart. With so many words of wisdom Hear is one that I remember Feel the breeze ,Look at the trees There all over. ( never understood where that came from ) And she told me her dad was very religious And taught her all the hymns I can hear her singing them with me Father along we’ll learn all about it , Father along we’ll understand why And I remember her saying You have to put some feeling into it. Anyways way too many memories And I shall remember them and smile God be with you till we meet again. God bless you my once friend Ilma It is true God only calls home the best

  27. Katie Jensen says

    January 2, 2021 at 10:49 pm

    You will forever be missed! Your legacy lives on. .. Thank you for your positive words and support. Praying for all!
    ❤️ love,

    Katie Jensen

  28. Griffin Family says

    January 2, 2021 at 10:55 pm

    Sending Condoleezza To The Family

  29. Joanne Yost says

    January 3, 2021 at 8:07 am

    My condolences to the family. I worked with Ilma for many years. So sorry to hear of her passing. Fred and family are in my prayers.

  30. Keith says

    January 3, 2021 at 12:00 pm

    Love You…Rest

    Peace to the Living.
    One Love.

  31. Linda Simpson says

    January 3, 2021 at 7:01 pm

    R.I.H Mrs.Ilma.

  32. Jozell and Jimmy Davies says

    January 3, 2021 at 9:33 pm

    Our heartfelt condolences to the family. You are in our prayers and thoughts. 🙏 ❤

  33. Joe & Jennifer Tompsett says

    January 4, 2021 at 5:28 pm

    I shall forever love you Ilma…. here and in heaven.
    Deepest sympathies to the family.

  34. Demetrius powell says

    January 4, 2021 at 6:12 pm

    My condolences to the family I’m sorry for your lost Rip llmaOates

  35. Janice Cobbler says

    January 4, 2021 at 7:01 pm

    Rest In Peace auntie.You was always like a second mom to me growing up . You was filled with so much joy and laughter .This ‘ bug saying I love you and will never forget you.

  36. Elaine Austin and Family says

    January 5, 2021 at 7:44 pm

    My prayers are with the family as you go through this difficult time. Your mom was a wonderful lady who always had a smile on her face.

  37. Jocelyn McNeil says

    January 6, 2021 at 2:07 am

    Granny it was such a joy knowing you! RIP

  38. Valencia Davidson Tucker says

    January 6, 2021 at 11:12 am

    To the family my deepest win the lost of your loved one .

  39. Anita Boutwell says

    January 6, 2021 at 9:34 pm

    I am praying much for the Hadley family. May the strength, grace and peace of God keep you in this difficult time. This beautiful woman will be greatly missed.

  40. Hope Johnson says

    January 7, 2021 at 5:26 am

    Ilma, was always a delight She had Great Spiritual insight for the words she spoke into your Life would loose the pain as well as the Strife I’m not sure she ever knew how the words she spoke got people through Sorrowfully Missed Hope

  41. Anonymous says

    January 8, 2021 at 7:46 am

    Our family wishes to extend our condolences to your family.

    Sincerely The Price family

  42. Sis Craft says

    January 9, 2021 at 8:41 am

    Hello to all of the family.. MOTHER Oakes so much to say so much to feel so much to remember so much to love.. Mother Oaks would actually let me call her MOTHER
    She knew just went to come to me in my times of need That was so real for me.. the spirit of a mother.. I know we can run to God but there is nothing like having someone see you and feel their love Love always Craft.

  43. Susan McDonald says

    January 9, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Dear Marcey,

    My heart breaks for you and your family during this incredibly tragic time. What I hope gives you great solace in this time are the endless memories that no one can take from you. Her sprit lives on through you and through every life she touched. Her impact will live forever.

    Sincerely Your Dear Friend,

    Susan

  44. Brandy Webb & Family says

    January 10, 2021 at 2:20 am

    Nothing can be put into words the way I feel about this loss. Granny, we held a special connections #Geminis!!! I will forever cherish the Blue shaw that you made me.

    Forever grateful, Fly high Black Beauty!!!

  45. Marian R. Lobo says

    January 10, 2021 at 6:42 am

    It was a pleasure getting to know Mrs. Ilma (mom) I will forever treasure every moment, every laugh, every joke, the conversations ❤ ; To the entire family, my deepest and sincere condolences.

  46. Willie and Melanie Hadley Franklin says

    January 10, 2021 at 6:44 am

    Aunt Ilma brought joy and laughter wherever she went. her sparkle will truly be missed my prayers go out to her Fred, her children, grand children, great-grandchildren and great great grand children. May her legacy continue forever!

  47. Dame says

    January 10, 2021 at 11:54 am

    Tanesha,
    Grandmothers are special and irreplaceable ! Means you never have to let her go. She is in you. She nurtured, taught, led and guided you. Those love deposits saturate our very being and remain a constant even when the giver is not present. Hold on to her in your heart. Thank God for His Gift of her to you. His Timing is perfect whether we understand it or not. You are left to represent ! Do it with grace! Covering you in prayer today and always.

  48. Robin Hunter says

    January 10, 2021 at 2:40 pm

    To the Hadley Family

    My condolences to the family, and friends of mother Hadley.

  49. Monie says

    January 10, 2021 at 2:47 pm

    Rest well auntie.

  50. Janice Hopkins says

    January 10, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Marcie,
    Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Our prayers are with you.

    Rube Bruce and Family.

  51. Susan McDonald says

    January 10, 2021 at 7:42 pm

    Dear Marcey,

    My heart breaks for you and your family during this incredibly tragic time. What I hope gives you great solace in this time are the endless memories that no one can take from you. Her sprit lives on through you and through every life she touched. Her impact will live forever.

    Sincerely Your Dear Friend,

    Susan McDonald

  52. Robert Colas says

    January 11, 2021 at 12:13 am

    I fellowshipped with Sister Ilma at Wayman AMEC. My love and condolences go out to the family. My God comfort and give you peace. It’s Ilma’s turn to make some noise in Heaven. We’ll see her soon. God Bless!

  53. Sandy Wahl says

    January 11, 2021 at 9:15 pm

    Such a beautiful lady. So glad to have known you.

  54. Al and Denise Gardner says

    January 13, 2021 at 3:06 pm

    The heart is never ready,
    The time is never right to say good-bye, but
    We hope each new tomorrow
    Will bring you comfort and peace.

  55. Anonymous says

    January 14, 2021 at 9:41 pm

    You Have My Condolences Family I know how it feel’s to be without You God will intervene on your Behalf in Jesus Mighty Name Amen!

  56. Denise McWhorter says

    January 16, 2021 at 3:58 am

    My condolences to the Oates and Hadley family…may God cover you with his love and healing…Ilam was such a Beautiful and kind woman and funny, R.I.P.

  57. Sandra Trott says

    January 21, 2021 at 5:30 pm

    My sincere condolences to Fred, Ilma’s children, and the entire Oates and Hadley families. I grew up next door to Ilma, and through the years, she was always the same. She will be missed!

  58. Sybrina Thompson says

    January 23, 2021 at 10:25 am

    Granny you will be missed. Your smile and your laughter are the first things that come to mind when I think about you. Another beautiful soul gone to be with the Lord. God bless and keep this family. Love always.

  59. Melinda Hadley says

    March 5, 2021 at 9:03 pm

    Mom, we did so much together… you left so many memories for me to cherish…you were my best friend. I’m going to miss our road trips to your Dr appointments, our shopping trips, stopping at the bakery and the wonderful conversations we shared. You were the best mom ever and I’m so glad God gave you too me as a mother…take your rest and I’ll see you in heaven. I will always love you and will miss you so much 😔… you not only taught us how to fight the good fight of faith, but you demonstrated it by your example. You endured like a good soldier to the very end…you were surrounded by God s peace as you closed your eyes for the last time and I’m going to celebrate your life and keep you alive in my heart! You will always be my Black Beauty #1.

    Black Beauty#2

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Testimonials

December 18, 2024

Words cannot even begin to express the tremendous gratitude our family has for a team like the one at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory. Thank you for the gentle lovely care over our mother Delia (Rosa) Balderas. Never having had a direct experience with a funeral home to this extent we didn’t know what to expect. We didn’t have a clue that they would step right in and have the most comforting team surrounding us that thought of ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING for anyone in our position. It was very evident from the first discussion on the phone that they were already well prepared to handle every little detail for us that we weren’t even aware would be required. Mark and his team truly eased so much of the unknown worries right out of our path, and left room for us to just focus on the small personal details we wanted for our mom. It was nice to know that all cost involved was in black and white on their site as well as on paper at our first meeting. Leaving no room for question or doubt what so ever with any fee involved. It was truly a blessing to have everything written out so well and simplified with various price range options in a time that we needed crystal clear direction. Its been beautiful to see that their care and service didn’t stop after our mom’s service came to an end. They continue to be in communication with immediate responses as questions arise along the way. God bless Mark, and the entire compassionate team, to be around to guide many many more for generations to come through life’s most difficult times. You are all truly amazing.

 

Hilda Balderas

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(262) 552-9000

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