Carrie Deeker, of Marthasville, passed away at home on Monday December 29, 2025. She was born in Tampa, Florida on June 26, 1940, the daughter of Cuban immigrants, Roy and Mariana (nee: Lima) Hernandez.
She graduated from Jefferson High School and then the University of Tampa with a degree in Elementary Education and English. She taught school first in Tampa and then Ft. Lauderdale. In 1968, she became a teacher for the Department of Defense Overseas School System, teaching two years in Okinawa and two years in Germany. While in Germany, she met her husband, Don. They were married in her hometown of Tampa on September 23, 1972. While Don was serving in the United States Army in the Republic of South Korea, Carrie joined him there. They adopted a Korean baby girl, whom they named Tara. Carrie loved being an elementary school teacher and homemaker. She was an active member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Marthasville, and the Women's Guild of the church. She was noted for her card ministry, remembering birthdays, anniversaries, and expressions of concern and sympathy.
Those cherishing her memory are her husband of 53 years, Rev. Don Deeker; daughters, Courtney Hernandez and husband Fernando, Joylin Kline and husband Brett; and son, Aubrey Deeker. Her grandchildren, who fondly called her "Bita" are, Nicholas, Sebastian, Aidan, Camilo, Avery, Samuel, Rhys and Juliana. She is also survived by three sisters, Orchid Rogers, Rita Carreno and husband Gale, Joy Lane and husband Al; and one brother Roy Hernandez and wife Dottie. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Mariana; her daughter, Tara, and sisters, America, Irene and Irma
The Memorial Visitation will be at St. Paul's Church on Friday, January 2, from 3 P.M. - 7 P.M. and on Saturday, January 3, from 10 A.M. - 12 P.M. The Memorial Service will begin at 12 P.M. on Saturday. Internment will take place at a later date at Hugo Cemetery, New Florence. Memorial donations are requested for St. Paul Cemetery Association, Hugo Cemetery Association or donor's choice, c/o Martin Funeral Home.
