Evelyn Holland Decker, (“Dutch” to all her friends) passed peacefully away Friday, May 16, 2014 in the care of Community Hospice at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. She had resided at Fleet Landing in Atlantic Beach, FL since it’s opening in 1992. Dutch was born Oct. 23, 1921 in Laurel, MS. Upon graduation, she left Mississippi for secretarial school in Indiana, as she and a friend had heard that there were jobs for qualified women in Washington D.C. It was while working for the Dept. of the Navy that she was introduced to LCDR Arthur T. Decker, a Naval Academy graduate and aviator. They were married in 1947 and Dutch became the prototypical Navy Wife, following Art from station to station until his retirement from NAS Jacksonville in 1965. They settled in Ortega Forest, where she joined Ortega United Methodist Church and its women’s circle, as well as the Salvation Army Auxiliary.
Dutch loved the Navy life, playing golf, bridge, traveling and socializing with all her friends. Both she and Art were early volunteers with the Greater Jacksonville Open at Selva Marina, Deerwood, and she continued with the TPC at Sawgrass. She was a 24 year volunteer scorekeeper when she finally called it quits.
Dutch was predeceased by Arthur T. Decker, Capt., USN, and her son John S. Decker. She is survived by her daughter, Vicki L. Decker and husband James A. Niemi; her dear friend Betty Sterling, Betty’s daughter, BJ Lucas and family; as well as many wonderful friends acquired throughout her 92 years. Her family is extremely thankful to Fleet Landing and the wonderful care she received from their assisted living and memory care center the last 3 years.
A reception in Dutch’s honor will be held at Leeward Manor, Fleet Landing, in the Leeward Activity Room on June 27, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army Auxiliary, or to St. Vincent’s Foundation (904) 308-7306.
Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS EDGEWOOD CHAPEL (904) 388-2711
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