Frances Bowyer, age 96, of Christiansburg died, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, at her home. She was born in Oak Hill, West Virginia on Jan. 14, 1921 to the late George Denton and Idelia Steele Bowyer.
She was also preceded in death by husband, Herbert Ray Decker Sr.; brother, Lawrence Jackson Bowyer; sisters, Margaret Bowyer Vegh, and Betty Jane Bowyer.
She graduated from Oak Hill High School in 1938 and worked in a lawyer’s office in Fayetteville, West Virginia. She married Herbert Ray Decker, Sr. in 1940 and moved to Keystone, West Virginia in 1942. There, she became a member of Keystone United Methodist Church in 1942 and worked at the First National Bank of Keystone, West Virginia.
She moved to Christiansburg in 1981 and faithfully attended Centennial Christian Church from 1981 until this past year. She worked for H&R Block until she retired at the age of 88. She also worked in the Montgomery County Commissioner of Revenue’s office.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Herbert Ray, Jr. and Norma Decker and daughter and son-in–law, Susan Lynn and Ron Hamlin. Grandchildren, Leslie Decker Hale, Christina Hamlin Phalen and husband, David, Jason Decker, Amy Hamlin, and Mark Decker and wife, Amanda. Great-grandchildren, Jack Hale, Will Hale, Evan Hale, Ryan Hale and Lily Hale, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the Centennial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with the Rev. Steve Allen officiating. A private entombment will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Centennial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), P.O. Box 427, McCoy, VA 24111.
