Phyllis May Decker

Phyllis May Cooke Decker (nee Balderson) of Cedarville, MD, passed away in her sleep to be with her Lord in the early hours of Wednesday April 8, 2020, with her loving daughter, Sandy, at her side. Phyllis was born September 20, 1925 to Lucius Balderson of Warsaw, VA, a street car conductor in Washington D.C. and Alice Greer, who was born and raised in Cedarville MD. Phyllis was raised in Washington D.C. and attended Barnard Elementary School near Upshur Street, N.W. At 11 years old, Phyllis contracted Rheumatic Fever, spending most of her 6th grade in bed, being tutored at home. Her father died during that time, and she had to be carried to see him. While she was in high school, she worked weekends at Kresge's 5 & 10 cent store. Following graduation from Roosevelt High School in North West Washington DC, she went to work for the Office of Price Administration where they made food stamps. Phyllis and her mother visited Cedarville as often as possible, where she met her husband, John Ernest “Buddy” Cooke, a long-time family resident. Buddy worked at the old Bus Terminal in T.B., then in Indian Head working at the Naval Base making powder for bullets needed for the war. He made the long trip into DC dating; they were married December 29, 1942. Daughter, Sandy, was born in 1944. In 1948 Buddy and Phyllis bought land on Ashbox Road, in Cedarville where they built a new home, and where she lived 72 years until she recently sold her home to live with Sandy. Buddy passed away in January of 1987. Phyllis then began her 29-year career, as a volunteer at Southern Maryland Hospital in Clinton serving 10,000 plus hours. She was honored to be pictured on the Southern Maryland Hospital billboard located on Route 5 just near the Prince George’s County/Charles County line, northbound lane. Phyllis had been one of the few living Charter and Lifetime members of the Baden VFD & Ladies Auxiliary. As charter members they purchased land, received loans, and wrote the paper work for the Charter. She worked in many of the fundraisers to raise money for the first Fire Department Building in the neighborhood. She served as an officer with the Baden Ladies Auxiliary, served several terms on the Board of Directors for the Auxiliary, and she and Buddy were the recipients of the Richard “Rip Selby” Memorial Award. Phyllis, a blessed woman who put her faith in God, was a lifetime member of Immanuel United Methodist Church and the Immanuel United Methodist Women. Phyllis served and chaired many committees and was active with all of their programs and fundraisers. She was currently the Cemetery Chairperson, with help from her daughter, computerizing the burials and openings in the cemetery. She was a great seamstress, often making and altering clothes and crocheting lovely afghans for each of her grandchildren. She was an excellent cook and up until just several years ago, would prepare Easter and Thanksgiving dinners for as many as 22 in her home. In 1992, Phyllis began “courting by distance” from a widower in AZ well known to some of the family. They closed the distance and began dating. Phyllis and Warren “Bud” Decker were married on September 5, 1992 and celebrated 25 years of marriage in September 2017. Unfortunately, Bud passed away October 22, 2017. Phyllis is survived by her adoring daughter, Sandy Cross and grandchildren, David (Kathy) Cross Jr. (great-grandchildren, Kody, Kaylee, and Kassidy Cross); Michael “Mike” (Jennifer) Cross (great-grandchildren, Lauren and Michael Cross); Susan (Richard) Sedgwick (great-grandchildren, Taylor and Ryan Sedgwick). She found great comfort in her beautiful and loving cat, Andy. She is also survived by her many nieces, nephews, family and friends. She is pre-deceased by her devoted son-in-law, David Cross, Sr and great-granddaughter, Ashley Cross. A funeral service will not be held due to the circumstances of the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are sorry to be without your friendship and physical comfort, but it is our sincere hope that a Celebration of Her Life will be possible in the future. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Church Cemetery Fund, 17400 Aquasco Road, Brandywine, MD 20613 or Baden VFD Ladies Auxiliary, 16608 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, MD 20613.

Phyllis May Decker

September 20, 1925 - April 8, 2020