Judy Decker, 78, left career to travel the world by boat
July 3, 2025
Judith A. Decker of Heritage Plantation died June 26 at Waccamaw Community Hospital from an aggressive brain cancer. She was 78.
She was born Nov. 13, 1948, in Akron, Ohio, the daughter of Doris and John Athey. Judy was raised in the Lutheran church. She earned a degree in political science from Ohio State University, where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.
She was the older sister of two siblings, John Thomas and Dianne Elizabeth.
As an 18-year-old waitress on a summer job, Judy was the reason that the Athey family found the Myrtle Beach area. Her stint at Romano’s Italian restaurant was just the beginning of great things to come. Her parents ultimately retired to the area and built a home in Wedgefield Plantation.
She had two sons with her first husband Jim Allen.
She excelled at sales with various corporations and was a leader in business. Her career culminated as vice president at Prostaff Staffing Services and was formerly a vice president of Olsen Staffing Services.
She married Douglas A. Decker while living in Milwaukee, Wisc. After years in the corporate world, they left their careers to take up sailing. Living on their 37-foot sailboat “Limerance,” they departed San Diego, transited the Panama Canal, spent time in the San Blas Islands and Costa Rica, toured Europe, and ended their travels after eight years in Marmaris, Turkey. They returned with their sailboat to Pawleys Island.
While her husband was the captain, Mrs. Decker was the admiral, as well as the chef in the 3 foot-by-3-foot galley. She blogged about their travels and documented their adventure, which were compiled into a book.
In addition to their love of sailing, the Deckers shared a love of flying, which they enjoyed for 30 years in their private plane dubbed “The DHL Express,” due to the familiar yellow color scheme.
When they were ready to live on land again 20 years ago, they found their home and friends at Heritage Plantation, where they just celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary.
Mrs. Decker was the Heritage club committee chair for six years and headed many community functions. She was also a member of the travel committee that grew to include travel to Europe, two community cruises to the Bahamas and a train trip to the Canadian Rockies.
She was a member of the Girl Friend’s book club for many years and member of an investment club. Mrs. Decker was well-read on politics and religion and never stopped learning. Bridge became a true passion in her later years. She enjoyed the rich legacy of Brookgreen Gardens. She played classical piano in early childhood and enjoyed many years of golf and skiing.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Scott Allen (Barbara) and Jason Allen (Debra); her stepsons, Jake and Drew Decker; her brother, John Athey (Sandi); her sister Dianne Athey (Peter Goldman); and her grandchildren, Nick (Katie), Chloe, Brady, Kailey and Lawson.
A formal burial service will be conducted at a later date at a church in Haines Falls, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Smith Medical Clinic at smithfreeclinic.org.
