Genevieve “Carole” Decker
Born December 11, 1937 in Eaton Rapids, MichiganDeparted March 20, 2024 in Melbourne, Florida
On March 20, 2024 Genevieve “Carole” Decker (Rishel) took God’s hand and reunited in heaven with her husband, the Reverend Earl Decker. She passed peacefully with her adoring family at her bedside after a battle with post operative pneumonia. She was preceded in death by her Husband Earl, her Father Carl Rishel, her Mother Verna Rishel (Gould), and her sister Roma Jeane Orr.
Carole left behind her family consisting of three sons Bruce, David, and Steven and six grandchildren, Jessica, Mitchell, Nicholas, Rileigh, Gracie, and Lillie.
She was born on December 11, 1937 in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. After attending Moody Bible Institute, she married Earl and served God faithfully as a minister’s wife, mother, grandmother, friend, counselor, musician, music director, church secretary, and missionary.
She was accomplished on many stringed and keyed instruments including the harp, piano, organ and accordion. She loved to laugh and enjoyed time with her family and friends. She freely shared her musical gifts with family, children, and adults. She felt called to use her musical gifts to comfort the sick.
During the day, you might find her playing music for school children, at the local library, or in a public park. At night, she would often roam the halls of local hospitals, where she became known as the “Harp Lady”, offering the gift of soothing music to anyone in need. She was a performer in several local musical groups including Dickens Carolers.
She was a gifted song writer and poet with original piece including the beloved “Florida Waltz” that was performed by local musicians and several bands in the Melbourne region.
She was a long-standing member of Calvary Baptist Church on Wickham Road, in Melbourne Florida and served in the choir and orchestra for many years.
In lieu of flowers, her wish is to ask you to perform an act of kindness, and if you are able, to donate in her memory to your home church.
