ALICE JEAN DECATUR, Age 70, a resident of Charleston, died Friday, August 14, 2009 at the Sikeston Convalescent Center.

Born September 7, 1938 at Wyatt, MO to J.R. Mathis who survives of Charleston and the late Maudie Ardella Barber Mathis. She had lived in Stafford, VA a number of years and returned to Mississippi County in the 1970's where she worked as a Nurse Aide at the Charleston Manor until her retirement. She was devoted to the care of her parents, children and grandchildren.

She was married to Henry Decatur who preceded her in death in 2006.

Surviving besides her father are: two daughters, Stacy Gaines of Charleston and Samantha Becker of Winona; five sisters, Betty Ruth Passley and Debra Lou Ward of Fredericksburg, VA; Jo Ann Burk of Anna, Ill; Donna Gail Marshall of York, SC and Tammy Hale of Benton, MO; six grandchildren, Alexander Gaines, Nathaniel Gaines and MaKayla Gaines all of Charleston and James Becker, Elizabeth Becker and Wyatt Becker all of Winona, MO.

One brother, J.R. Stevens Mathis, preceded him in death.

Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at 1:00 p.m., Monday, August 17, 2009 at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. Rev. Gerald Penn, pastor of the First Assembly of God Church in Charleston, will officiate.

Interment will follow in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery near Charleston under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com