Ima Card

Ima Ethel (Day) Card went from hospice at The Elms nursing facility in Macomb, IL to be with her Lord on January 3, 2026.
Ima was born January 6, 1937 to Baron Montez and Mary "Ethel" (Quarterman) Day in Flemington, GA, the youngest of five Georgia peaches, following sisters Fleta, Mary, Sara "Sally Jo," and Eudora "Dodie" Day. All doted on Ima. Forgiving and trusting almost to a fault, she had a tender heart that invited nurture.
She graduated from Toccoa Falls College in 1960 with a bachelor's degree in missions and found her first mission teaching typing at Savannah Christian School. There she met fellow teacher Clark Arthur Card, soon to be ordained. They married May 31, 1962, then served at a succession of Christian schools, settling at Kingswood School in Bean Station, TN. While Clark was by turns principal, choir director and pastor, Ima taught Bible and piano, played piano for church services, and raised their two daughters, her dearest mission.
After the pair retired, Clark died in 1996,then Ima continued a lifelong ministry of lovingkindness, letter writing, and constant prayer for family, friends, and the world. She could play accordion, loved writing stories and object lessons, and had an artistic bent she passed on to her daughters. She loved a cup of coffee, and loathed the squeeze of a blood pressure cuff. She was touchingly stubborn, surviving a series of medical challenges throughout life that would have brought down many a peer. Her lifespan exceeded that of both her parents and all four sisters.
Her sphere was small, but her impact was deep. Without hesitation, she gave of her belongings and tithed her widow's mite. As long as she could form words to pray or summon strength to smile, she did so with her whole heart.
Ima is lovingly remembered by oldest daughter Constance "Connie" Ruth Card Sadler (husband Roger Sadler); granddaughters Lauren Ann Sadler and Sarah Elizabeth Sadler; youngest daughter Colleen Anne (Card) McGraw; several nieces and nephews; the alumni of Kingswood School; the staff and residents of her beloved Elms community; and countless souls touched by her prayers and smiles.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial services will be held privately. Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com
II Timothy 4:7: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Matthew 5:8: Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.