Donnette Handley "Donnie" Decker

Donnette Handley “Donnie” Decker, devoted mother and “Granny” was called home by her Lord God, passing away peacefully at her home, with family members by her side, at the age of 86, on the 2nd day of April, 2026 (Holy Thursday). She was born in New Orleans, LA. on August 22, 1939, and raised in Ponchatoula, LA. She was the youngest child of the late Lorena Landry Handley and John Duplan Handley, and was also raised by her maternal grandparents, the late Maude Schilling Landry and the late Allen Joseph Landry. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Charles Edward Decker, III, her beloved granddaughter, Olivia Andre Decker, and her two “big” sisters and best friends, Marie Handley Janes and Hope Handley Cuccia. She is survived by her children Charles E. Decker IV, Deborah Decker Karriker, M.D. (Bryan), and Scott A. Decker, and grandchildren: Charles E. Decker V, Mary Grace Decker, Evelyn Rose Decker, Claire Eileen Karriker, and Camille Eve Karriker. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Donnie was a graduate of Ponchatoula High School where she was voted Most Beautiful Woman by her classmates. She spent most of her life raising her three children being the loudest “cheerleader” at their swim meets, dance reviews, baseball and football games. She was also affectionately known as “Momma Decker” to all the Sunrise Country Club, Pilney Little League, and neighborhood kids. She will be remembered by family and friends for her unconditional love, selfless devotion to her children and grandchildren, her desire to please and make everyone around her happy, as well as her love and passion for life. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her. The family would especially like to thank her physicians and medical personnel who took care of her and extended her quality of life over the past several years, and you know who you are. The family would also like to thank Anvoi Hospice for helping her “finish the race”. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at ST. PHILIP NERI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 6500 Kawanee Ave., Metairie, LA., on Friday April 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. A visitation will be held at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Funeral arrangements are being handled by L.A. Muhleisen & Son Funeral Home. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com

Tributes

Donnette Handley "Donnie" Decker

August 22, 1939 - April 2, 2026