Dorothy J. Byerley, 90, of Davis Junction, Illinois, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Serenity Hospice Home in Oregon, Illinois. Dorothy was born February 11, 1934, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Willard and Ethel Wilkerson. In 1954, she married the love of her life, Johnnie R. Byerley. After raising six children, Dorothy transitioned into the workforce. She began as an aid, and worked her way into becoming the activity director at Rochelle Manor (now known as Rochelle Gardens). She then began her time with Eerie Foods as a lab technician until retirement. After Johnnie's untimely passing, Dorothy became very independent, living alone until more recently. In her retirement she enjoyed gardening and paying special attention to her flower beds. She loved anything that would bloom.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Judy (Tom) Holmberg, Shirley (Jack) Spray, John (Carla) Byerley, and David Byerley; sister, Eva Jenkins; special son-in-law, Bob Holder; 16 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie; children, Ethel (Gene) Doke, and Susie Holder; parents, Willard and Ethel; sisters, Hilda Kirby and Millie Fisher.
A visitation for Dorothy will be held Friday, October 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM, with a funeral to follow at 2:00 PM. Dorothy will be laid to rest next to her husband in Willwood Burial Park following her funeral.
