Dorothy Nell Decker's Obituary
Dorothy Nell Decker, daughter of Jacob and Thelma Tompkins, was born on January 17, 1925 in Pine Hill, TX and passed away on November 12, 2008 in Tyler. She was 83 years old.
Dorothy grew up in Beckville, TX and graduated from Carthage High School in 1942. She lived in the Houston area, working at Southern Pacific Railroad, when she met the love of her life, Bill Decker. On October 18, 1944, Dorothy and Bill married. They lived happily together for 64 years until the time of her death. Dorothy and Bill eventually made their home and raised their three boys in Henderson. Dorothy worked alongside Bill for 24 years as the co-owner of Bill Decker Printing Company. She and Bill loved to travel by RV all over the United States, fish wherever there was water and square dance with their many friends.
Dorothy was loved by all of her friends and family. She had a strong faith in the Lord, was always ready to give a hug, help someone smile and offer a kind word of advice when needed. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Bill Decker; sister, Betty Sue Kutalek; brother, Tommy Tompkins; sons and daughters-in-law: Dennis and Teresa Decker, Terry and Paula Decker; grandchildren: Brad Decker, Gary and Hannah Decker, Shannon and David Hodges, Kristal and Bill Clay and Sarah Decker; great-grandchildren: Zach, Cameron and Mathew Clay; Devine, Kelsey, William and Christina Decker; Kolebi and Kasadi Hodges; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son, Barry Decker.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 14th from 6-8pm at Rader Funeral Home in Henderson. A memorial service will be on Saturday, November 15th at 10:30am at the Rader Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gloria Jennings officiating. Burial will follow at the Youngblood Cemetery in Panola County.
Pallbearers will be Brad Decker, Gary Decker, Bill Clay, Joe Tompkins, Tony Dukes and Kim Merrill.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd. Tyler, TX 75701.
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