Ila Fern Madden

Ila Fern Madden, 86, of Moore, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

Born April 3, 1939 in Columbia, MO, Fern attended Hickman High School, where she was a member of a competition vocal sextet. She met and married the love of her life, the late Kenneth Eugene Madden, and they started their family in Aurora, IL. Together, they shared 69 years of marriage and built a life rooted in love, family, and faith.

Her love of music and vocal talent led to her being a member of a ladies’ trio and gaining acceptance into a Chicago choir. Even after her days singing at events in Illinois, Fern was always a member of her church choir. After moving to Spartanburg in 1999, she joined First Baptist Spartanburg.

Fern was a loving, devoted mother to her three children, Rebecca “Becky” Madden, Wendy Swanson (Larry), and Gary Madden.

Visitation will be 12:00-12:45 PM on Friday, January 30, 2026 at J.M. Dunbar Funeral Home, 690 Southport Road, Roebuck, SC 29376. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 PM in the chapel. Burial will be private. 

In memory of Fern, contributions may be made to First Baptist Spartanburg Music Ministry, 250 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306.