Louann Byers

Louann Byers, of Raleigh, N.C. went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 23. She is survived by her oldest son Steve and her five treasured grandchildren, Kelly, Zachary, Stephanie, Audrey and Adam. She has joined youngest son James, who went home before her in 2015. She was born and spent her formative years in and around Salisbury Pennsylvania, the youngest daughter of Edward C. and Lula Newman. Her early recollections to friends were of the close-knit nature of family, including Brothers Donald J. Newman of Grantsville Maryland, Ward C. Newman of Confluence Pennsylvania and Sister Alberta Tilly who settled in Springs Pennsylvania, all who have preceded her to the heavenly realm. Her quick wit and sarcasm were nurtured faithfully and grew exponentially in later years, much to the joy of her sons, grandchildren and favorite nephew Lynn Newman of Grantsville. Sisters Lois and Audrey, who were taken to the Lord as toddlers, added much to Louanns fabric and became a grandchilds namesake. She grew up in the Salisbury Church of the Brethren, where she developed a lifelong passion for music, and specifically honoring God through playing the piano. After graduation from High School in Salisbury, Louann moved to the Washington D.C. area and married. She gained employment as a receptionist and secretary for the Peace Corps and Director Sargent Shriver, thus beginning a career in Civil Service that eventually ended with her retirement as an Administrative Secretary to the Commanding Officer of the U.S. Naval Hospital at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Upon retirement, she moved to Raleigh, N.C. to be closer to her grandchildren and sons. Louann served as pianist at the St Barnabas Presbyterian Church through 2015. She loved her cats, Pittsburgh Pirates baseball and Steeler football, but above all her hobby was loving and encouraging her sons, Steve and James. Her unconditional love in their youth became stronger during the challenges of adulthood and parenthood. Never was this more apparent than during James battle with cancer. This love was extended to their spouses Debbie and Rebecca and to her five grandchildren as well, leaving a legacy of love and support that will live on beyond her days. The family would like to thank the staff at Pruitt Health on Lake Wheeler Road in Raleigh for caring for Mom during these times when we could not. Sincere thanks to Nurses Dionne, Hanna and Hillary, as well as Hospice Nurse Shirleen and CNA Andre for going above and beyond. Thanks also to the ladies of St Barnabas Presbyterian Church for their sweet attention and adoption of Mom as one of their own. A Memorial will be planned for the Spring or Summer. Louann would have loved for any memorials in her memory to be directed to the Salvation Army.