Irma Kerchner Claiborne

Irma "Irm" Kerchner Claiborne entered the world on October 2, 1932, and entered into eternal life on October 9, 2025. Irm was born in Lee Center, Illinois and was raised in Amboy. She graduated from Amboy High School and then earned her degree in Education from Illinois State University. She dedicated over 30 years to teaching in Woodlawn School in Sterling and Avoca School in Wilmette.
In June 1956, she and her beloved, Clay, were married. They were blessed with a son, Phil (Annette) Claiborne and a daughter, Nan (Steve) Powell and then three grandchildren, Conner (Vanessa) Claiborne, Christina Powell and Lessa (Brian) Spenner and two great grandchildren, Mary and Jacob. Irm was preceded in death by her husband, Clay, 16 months ago, and her first-born, Phil, 10 months ago. There is a joyful reunion that is taking place.
She found great joy in volunteering for the Lutheran Church of the Ascension, local hospices, and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Irm was deeply active in her church community, participating in the CROP Walk, A Just Harvest, Altar Guild, Stephen Ministry, and various Bible studies.
She loved the neighborhood where she and Clay raised their family on Forest Avenue in Wilmette, and she was affectionately known as the "Mayor of Forest Avenue."
In retirement, Irm and Clay enjoyed traveling together and had many adventures across all 50 states, as well as in Europe, the Caribbean, Australia, Canada, and Mexico. Irm was also a gifted painter who enjoyed walking, reading, and finding beauty in the everyday.
She deeply loved the Lord, her family, her neighbors and her church. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 2 pm at the Lutheran Church of the Ascension, 460 Sunset Ridge Road, Northfield, IL 60093. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lutheran Church of the Ascension.