LaVon K. Decker

On November 4, 2017, LaVon Gresham Decker entered into her eternal rest, leaving this world the same way she lived it; with grace, dignity, and love for the people around her. The light that she beamed so brightly is now reflected in her family and friends she left behind. LaVon was born on July 17, 1911 - Yes! She was 106 years old when she passed away. She was born in Jasper County, Missouri. LaVon initially came to California in 1942 to work with her sister, Clara Lyle, and her husband, Carlos Holman, at the Purity Grocery Store in Pacific Grove. After helping them get the store up and running she worked for the Bank of America as a teller. LaVon was first attracted to her future husband, Capt. LaVerne Decker (USA RET), at a USO club because he was a very good dancer. She often said she never would have dated anyone who could not dance. They were married in 1947 and until his death at the age of 68 in 1967. When LaVon married Deck she quit her job at the Bank of America, but went back after he passed away and retired from there in 1978. In 1978 LaVon moved to her home on Candy Cane Lane where she enjoyed hours and hours looking out the window overlooking the park. LaVon enjoyed years and years of friendship with her Beta Sigma Phi Sorority Sisters and their families. She volunteered at the Monterey Dixieland Festival for many years and was a member of the Hot Jazz Society. At one of those Dixieland Festivals she met Ken Porter. They enjoyed a very long and special friendship. LaVon became a member of Cypress Community Church in 1973. There she became an active member of the VIP's - Very Important Phoks - the 55 years and older group. She made numerous trips with the VIP's to Branson, Missouri, for the music festivals there and to the east coast to see fall colors. She also traveled all over the world: Norway, New Zealand & Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, the Caribbean Sea, and many of our United States. LaVon was preceded in death by her husband, Capt. LaVerne Decker, her parents, Vernon and Clara Gresham, her 3 sisters, Roqua Gresham Worley, Clara Lyle Gresham Holman, Ella Dean Gresham Hickman, her brother, Vernon M. Gresham, and his son, D. Brian Gresham. She leaves behind her nephews: Kevin Gresham and his significant other, Carol, of Canute, Oklahoma, Bennie Gresham of Hollister, Missouri, and Craig Gresham and his wife, Christie, of Laurie, Missouri, (his children, Brittany Gresham of Golden Valley, Arizona, Craig Aaron Gresham of Norfolk, Nebraska, Colten and Jesse Alyse Gresham of the home), and her niece Pamela Gresham Purk of Fort Myers, Florida, (her children Cheri Purk Schenck of Cincinnati, Kentucky, LaLoni Purk of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Brian Purk of Kalamazoo, Michigan) , her cousin Avanell Patee and her family as well as many true friends. Over the last 5 years LaVon has needed special care. John, Beth, and Cynthia want to give special thanks to the women who attended to her every need at her home, to the staff at Canterbury Woods, and then to the staff at Pacific Grove Convalescent Hospital. Every one of you gave her attention with love and care beyond measure. Although we are sad by our loss we marvel at her 106 years of a life well lived. Private interment has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at Cypress Community Church, Monterey/Salinas Highway, November 27, 2017, at 11: am. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Cypress Community Church. Please designate your gift to be deposited in the "Generously Giving" fund - separate from the general fund. The mailing address is 681 Monterey/Salinas Hwy, Salinas 93988. May God Bless LaVon. We are certain her Savior welcomed her home with the words "Well done, thy good and faithful servant!". Service Information