Mrs. Donna Decker Pevey
April 29, 1939 – July 25, 2016
Donna Jean Decker Pevey, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend was born April 29th,1939 in Jacksonville, IL to James S.Decker and Helen Suter Decker. She passed from this life to the next on July 25th, 2016 at 10:56 P.M. surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
Lewy Body Dementia may have won the battle, but she fought with the unbelievable strength and courage she displayed throughout her life. She knew the victory was in Jesus, our Savior forever.
She married James A. Pevey on May 9th,1959. A tumultuous and passionate relationship that often kept others from realizing the deep love and respect they had for one another. They divorced and subsequently remarried, and she was at Jims side through his illness and his passing. They had 4 children, Leslie Pevey (Michael Pitts) of Pinellas Park, Fl, Lori Pevey Devaughn of Winter Haven, Fl, Dana Pevey (Kim) of Lakeland, Fl, and Brian Douglas (Doug) Pevey of Winter Haven, Fl. Dougs death was something she never fully recovered from. She is survived by 6 randchildren, 6 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild.She loved them all so very much. Courtney Terry of Tampa, Fl, Brandy Hayes Culvahouse of Winter Haven, Fl, Collin Turner of Pinellas Park, Fl, Charles(Charlie Bill) Stevenson of Ocala, Fl (Sarah), Gregory Stevenson of Winter Haven, Fl, and great grandchildren, Olivia Augustus White (Jernerio) of El Paso, Tx, Mariah Baker of Lakeland, Fl, Bailey Johnson, Kinsley and Everly Culvahouse of Winter Haven, Fl, Braxton Stevenson ( her little redhead) of Ocala, Fl, and great great grandchild Lucas White of El Paso, Tx . She was looking forward to meeting Lucas, unfortunately that will not happen in this life. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother and sister, Mary Jane Wallbaum of Franklin, Il, and Tony Decker of Jacksonville, Il. She loved and missed them so very much. She is survived by her sister and brother, Barbara Barnett of White Hall, IL (Gene), and James Decker of Chicago, IL (Becky), along with her best friend of over 50 years Lorraine Potter of Jacksonville, IL, and was happy she was able to visit her hometown and them this past Labor Day weekend. She is also survived by her close friend Curtis Baxter of Winter Haven, FL, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, sister and brother in laws. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse for many years and took great pride in her career in Geriatrics. She was loved by her patients and their families. She followed her husband Jim to many place during his time in the Army and finally to Florida in 1972. She loved Florida, but Jacksonville, IL, would always be home and where her heart was. She loved “thrifting” especially at the Salvation Army Store in Winter Haven, Fl. The girls working there missed seeing her when she became too ill to shop, and always asked about her. She was a talented homemaker, her home was spotless and she had a flair for interior design. Jim always complained she couldn’t or wouldn’t wait till he finished his cigarette before she was emptying the ashtray. She had an eye for bargains and often referred to her finds as antiques, although that was questionable at times and a running family joke. She gave unique gifts at Christmas and the family always got a kick out of her choices. She liked the idea of being eccentric and she was, she liked to shock others and she often did. She was a beauty, a natural redhead, she was smart and vivacious, kind and very funny and yes she could put you in your place yet still remain the classy lady she was. She was passionate, spirited and someone you wanted on your side, believe me!! I’ll just leave that right there. She loved her family fiercely and her(Doug’s) dog Pepper Jack.
In later years, she enjoyed the simple things in life, ice cream cones and double cheeseburgers and frappes, watching The Young and Restless and spending time with family and friends. She loved God, although she did raise hell on occasion, if provoked, which was not often…most knew better. She was a strong women , she suffered several devastating losses in the space of a few years, to include her son, brother and sister, husband and dear friend Alyce Davis, I’m not quite sure how it all works but my prayer is that as my mom leaves this world she is reunited with her family, friends and loved ones. Please keep mom and our family in prayer. FYI: She did not like to discuss death or details but she did let me know to use this picture and” not some old wrinkled up one” my mom was particular about her appearance as anyone who knew her could attest too.