Senate Joint Resolution 459 honors Mary Decker for her dedicated career in special needs education, spanning from 1991 to 2015 with the Anoka-Hennepin School District in Minnesota. Throughout her tenure, she demonstrated exceptional commitment and integrity, beginning as a paraprofessional and progressing to various teaching roles, including special needs teacher and reading instructor. Decker's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education and a master's degree in Education and Reading Instructional Licensure. She also received specialized training in the Sonday System for teaching reading to students with dyslexia.

After retiring, Decker continued her commitment to education by volunteering at a local elementary school in Tennessee and remains active in her community through her church. The resolution acknowledges her contributions to public service and quality education for special needs students, as well as her family support, including her husband, daughters, and grandchildren. The General Assembly extends its best wishes to her for future success and happiness.