Obituary for Essie Mae Decker

Essie Mae Decker, age 96 of Murphy, NC passed away Friday, May 20, 2016 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC.

She was a native of Walton County, GA but lived most of her life in Murphy, NC. Essie was a daughter of the late C.H. and Mary Carder Cavender. Essie worked with her husband at the produce stand and antique shop. She was a member of the Mt. Liberty Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of over 70 years, Charlie Decker; one brother, Charles Cavender and three sisters, Elma "Doe" Childers, Myrtle Forrister and Kaye Owenby.

She is survived by her daughter, Hilda Joan Decker Baumgardner and husband Ralph, Jr of Raleigh, NC; one granddaughter, Bethany Decker Baumgardner-Kirby and husband Keith of Lenoir, NC, several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 11 AM, Saturday May 28, 2016 at Mt. Liberty Baptist Church where she will be laid to rest by her beloved husband Charlie. Rev. Eddie Cook and Rev. Zach Orton will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM, Friday, May 27, 2016 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy.

The family would like to extend a special thank you with sincere appreciation to Essie's extended family, caregivers, friends, and neighbors for their help, support, dedication, love, thoughtfulness, and kindness during this time of need. We have been blessed beyond measure.

Essie loved flowers and gardening so flowers are very welcome. Essie loved cats and enjoyed taking care of them, so memorial contributions may be made to the Valley River Humane Society, PO Box 658, Murphy, NC 28906. The men and women that delivered Essie's meals each day always brought a smile to her face, so contributions may also be made to the Cherokee County Home Delivered Meals Program, c/o Peggy Graham, 69 Alpine Street, Murphy, NC 28906.

"Life is about your journey and the people that you cross paths with, and we are better for having crossed paths with Essie Mae. She is one of those people who can't be replaced. She will only be followed."

You may send tributes to the Decker family at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.


You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com