Lorraine Byers' Obituary
Lorraine Gail Byers, 77, of Jacksonville, Illinois, passed away on December 28, 2025, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, surrounded by her children.
Lorraine was born on February 2, 1948, in Decatur, Illinois. She was the daughter of Arnold Robert “Bob” Cole and Vivian Delphine (Landry) Cole. Lorraine was an avid reader and collector who enjoyed tending her flowers and plants, filling bird feeders, and spoiling her grandson. She was a member of Elks Lodge 401 and was elected as its first female Exalted Ruler, serving from 2001 to 2002. She retired from Caterpillar in 2018.
Lorraine is survived by her daughter, Paulette Ooton (partner, Jeffrey Iverson) of Springfield, Illinois; sons, Scotty G. Ooton III of Jacksonville, Illinois, Matthew Pappas of Jacksonville, Illinois, and Jason Pappas (wife, Alisa Pappas) of Quincy, Massachusetts; grandson, Martin Pappas of Quincy, Massachusetts; sister, Leslie Robinson of Decatur, Illinois; and brother, L. Robert “Bob” Cole (wife, Kelly Cole) of Decatur, Illinois. She is also survived by two nieces, three nephews, and ten great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Nicole Pappas; her husband, Robert Pappas; and her husband, Frank Byers.
A graveside service will be held at a later date at Graceland/Fairlawn Cemetery in Decatur, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lorraine’s memory to the Decatur & Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation ( https://www.dmcasf.org/in-memory-or-honor-of-donation ) or the Animal Protective League of Springfield and Sangamon County. ( https://www.apl-shelter.org/memorials )
Lorraine will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and all who knew her.
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