Joan Lucile Decker

Joan Lucile Decker, age 87, died peacefully at her son's home in Adrian, Michigan on March 24, 2019. She was born on August 26, 1931 in Findlay, Ohio. She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Laurence Decker; her parents Russell and Lucile Barnhill; grandparents, Maude and John Steen and Dora and Joseph Barnhill. She married Laurence Decker on July 31, 1955 in Findlay, OH. She is survived by her brother James (Joyce) Barnhill, Findlay OH, her daughter Adelia (Guy) Gaub of Madison Heights, MI; her sons Steven (Barbara) Decker of Adrian, MI, Philip (Dianne) Decker of Tillsonburg, Ont, Canada, and John (Julie) Decker of Oak Park, MI, her grandchildren Jason (Jennifer) Decker, Bethany (Andrew) Russell, Joshua (Audrey) Decker, Amy (Ryan) Graham, Jordan (Sarah) Decker, Matthew (Ahna) Decker, Jamie (Tiffany) Decker, Timothy (Kallie) Decker, Jessica Decker and Jenna Decker. Joan is also survived by her 15 great grandchildren, her nephew David (Marsha) Barnhill and her nieces Carolyn Barnhill, Susan (Daryl) Donley, and Nancy (Ron) Rook. Joan received a BS degree for Bowling Green State University, Ohio (1953). Her career in education took her to the Clarenceville and Madison School Districts in Michigan where she taught Music. Joan's church membership included the First Presbyterian Church, Findlay OH (1943-1955) Church of the Redeemer (RCA) Royal Oak, MI (1955-1995), Ferndale Free Methodist Church, Ferndale, MI. (1995-2010), and Maple Avenue Bible Church, Adrian MI. (2010 - present). She loved gardening, music, and being with her family at her beloved cottage on Lake Chemung, Howell, MI. She was very active volunteering with such organizations as the Club Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, March of Dimes, Boys and Girls Bible Club, The 700 Club and Gideons International. She helped ensure the success of her husband's 32 year career in education with her support, encouragement, and sacrifice. Even with this devotion to her family, Joan found time to pursue her love of music by performing in countless schools, churches, and nursing homes. While playing her primary instrument the viola, she took great pride in her membership in the Oak Park Symphony Orchestra, the Southfield Symphony Orchestra and the Birmingham String Ensemble. She also played clarinet in the South Oakland Concert Band, was a member of the Royal Oak Musicale, and a lifetime member of Tau Beta Sigma. One of her proudest accomplishments was the love of music that she instilled in each one of her four children. Rev. Gene Reitz will be officiating a funeral service on Friday March 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at Edward Swanson & Son Funeral Home 30351 Dequindre Road Madison Heights, MI. The family will receive friends on Friday March 29, 2019 from 2:30 p.m. until time of the funeral service 7:00 P.M. Joan will be laid to rest in Bishop Cemetery, Eagle Township, OH. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International. Psalm 51:10-12.