Nobuko (Shiroma) Decker

Nobuko Shiroma Decker (1934-2024) Her heart and soul was pure kindness and selflessness. She gave so much to this world and left it a better place through her unwavering love, strength, and devotion to her family.

Nobuko met the love of her life, Jimmie (Jim) Lynn Stephens around 20 years ago in Rockport, Texas through a friend, Bonnie Murphy. She often expressed her gratitude for Jim, considering him a great gift from God and is very thankful every day to have him in her life.

Nobuko Shiroma Decker, 90, of Aransas Pass, TX, passed away peacefully in Portland, TX on November 17th, 2024. She was born in Naha, Okinawa Japan on June 4, 1934, to Kana Shiroma & Kame (Toma), whom she loved so dearly. She is survived by her loving husband Jimmie L Stephens from Rockport, Texas. Daughters: Hiromi B. Fuller from Silverdale, WA and Emiko S. Allgood from Rockport, TX. Sons: Yoshiaki S. Decker location unknown, Forest C. Decker Jr. from Roseville, CA, Kenneth W. Decker from Lexington, KY, Takeshi A. Decker from Aransas Pass, TX. Grandchildren: Kindra Fuller, Courtney Fuller, Zakeriia Allgood, Ryan Allgood, Cheyenne Decker, Bryce Decker, Brayden Decker and Bryanna Decker.

[Forest C. Decker Jr. (son)] "Picking Up Body Parts in Iwo Jima"

When I went to Washington D.C. in 2017, I sent her a photo of myself in front of the Iwo Jima Monumen It must have stricken a memory for her, because she started telling me a story of when she was around 7 years young, and her family had to head into the mountains to hide. After several days of hiking, they were in safe hiding within the mountains. She said that she could hear loud explosions in the distances and asked her father, "What is that noise?" He said that it was the Americans and Japanese fighting.  

After years of hiding, her family finally returned to her hometown. She was about 12 or 13 when the Japanese government asked if she would help pickup bodies in Iwo Jima. My mother replied that it would be an honor to help. My mother has seen horrific things in her past and she has never mentioned anything to me until recently. Her love for her family was incredibly deep, far beyond what could be easily measured or described. My advice to anyone reading this is, "Take time to express your love, gratitude, and appreciation while they are still alive; you may not get another chance before it's too late!"

My mother was always there for us. She lived a very simple life and was a strong believer in Jesus Christ. She is now in heaven celebrating her new eternal life without any emotional or physical pain. "Watashi Anata Ishemas!"


[Bryanna L Decker (granddaughter)] "Goodbye for my Grandma Nobuko"

She showed others how to persevere challenges with grace, how to find strength in giving to others, and how to cherish every moment with our loved ones. Her presence in life was a gift from God, one that we will carry forward in our hearts every day. As we say our goodbyes, let us never forget the values of life she placed on ours; and let us find comfort in knowing that even though her physical presence isn't here, she is still watching over us.

On November 17th, she took her final breath, yet she still walks beside me each and everyday.  Grandma, thank you for everything- for your sacrifices, your endless love, and the example you have set for me to be as a person. I am so blessed I got to have someone like you in my life, and although I didn't get to live my whole life with you in it, I am happy I got to spend the rest of your life with you. You'll be missed dearly, but I will carry your love with me on and on. We will take care of Grandpa Jim as you had to us and will continue to endure your love. With kindness and grace, I'll love you always.

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