Lorene Jean Thompson, 83

CORALVILLE, Iowa - Lorene Jean Thompson, of Coralville, died Friday, Feb. 22, 2008, at Windmill Manor, Coralville. She was 83.

She was born Feb. 26, 1924, to Lena Jefferson Byars (Oklahoma Choctaw) and Harry Alexandar Byars (Mississippi Choctaw) in rural Carter County, Okla.

Mrs. Thompson's family attended McAlister Baptist Church, Durwood Baptist Church and Okchamali Baptist Church, all Oklahoma Choctaw Baptist churches.

Mrs. Thompson attended Wheelock and Chilocco Indian schools in Oklahoma, as did her siblings, Sweeney Byars, Rosalie Imotichey and Tony Byars, all deceased.

Her brother, John Arnett, attended Haskell Indian School in Kansas, and died while on active duty in the Aleutian Islands during World War II.

After graduating from Chilocco, Mrs. Thompson settled in San Antonio, where she married Julio Graciano; they later divorced.

She subsequently married Jack Marshall Thompson, who died April 29, 1967.

Master Sgt. and Mrs. Thompson were stationed at Dover (Del.) Air Force Base from 1966-1967.

Mrs. Thompson lived in the Dover and New Castle, Del., areas from 1967 to 2003.

Mrs. Thompson was a gifted seamstress and musician, talents she employed for her family's well-being.

She is survived by her children, J.D. Graciano of Middletown, Del., Kenneth E. Thompson of Wilmington, Del., and Jacki Thompson Rand of Iowa City and Ada, Okla.; her grandchildren, Amelia Rand, Thomas Rand and Anthony Graciano; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

Her remains will be buried near the graves of her parents and siblings at the McAlister Choctaw Cemetery, near Overbrook, Okla.

Instead of flowers, her children request donations be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Johnson County.

Arrangements by Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City.