Deborah Decker, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on September 20, 2026, at the age of 73.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 6, 1953, Deborah was the first of five children born to Raymond and Carole Decker. Her artistic talent was evident from an early age, and she cultivated it at Our Lady of Mercy High School in Detroit, Michigan. The family moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana shortly after her graduation, and Deborah earned her fine arts degree from LSU in 1977.

As an artist, Deborah was known for her exquisite tie-dyes, using advanced techniques that she studied and mastered with passion. She was also a talented painter, always exploring ways to create something beautiful.

Deborah was endlessly curious and passionate about learning, immersing herself in whatever captured her interest. She loved music, building an extensive vinyl collection and seeking out as much live music as she could. She loved food and cooking, studied nutrition, and constantly explored new approaches to food. She was a Master Gardener who took great joy in her garden and could spend hours tending it. She was also a healer, becoming a Reiki Master and exploring spirituality, healing arts, and holistic health in her lifelong quest to understand the world around her and our place in it.

Deborah lived in New Orleans for many years, but made Hot Springs, Arkansas, her home after Hurricane Katrina. She built a rich new life and was active in the Hot Springs Farmers Market, serving several years on its board of directors and exhibiting every Saturday. She was a member artist of the Collective Arts Gallery, spending Sundays with her fellow artists at the gallery and participating in Friday night Gallery Walks. She was also embraced by the healing arts community, where she found kindred spirits and formed many meaningful friendships.

Deborah was fearless, kind, independent, determined, and optimistic. She made friends wherever she went and maintained friendships across decades and miles.

Deborah is survived by her mother, Carole Ann Decker; siblings Wendy (Joseph), Claudia, Christopher (Michelle), and Jonathan Decker; nieces and nephews Gillian (Nicia), Joseph and Andre (Will) Triche, and Adam and Kayla (Stephen) Decker; and valued friend Kory Hill.

She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond R. Decker, and grandparents Joseph and Agnes Decker and Frank and Barbara Ploom.

In accordance with Deborah's wishes, there will be no formal service. Deborah lived a life of creativity, curiosity, courage, and optimism, always seeking to understand, create, learn, and find beauty in the world. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

You may sign the guest registry at http://www.carriganmemorial.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services