Karen DeChant

Karen B DeChant entered the gates of heaven peacefully on December 6, 2025.

She was born on April 19, 1941, to Mary and John Schneider in Lorain, Ohio. Karen met the love of her life, Arthur J. DeChant at a high school party. Upon graduation she married Art and off the newlyweds went to Kent, Ohio while Art attended Kent State University. Karen went on to accompany Art to Air Force bases in Texas and Nevada. While at Kelly Air Force base, they welcomed their daughter Michelle (1964-1966). Upon Art's discharge from the Air Force, they moved to Nashville, Tennessee. While in Nashville, they welcomed their daughter Jeneè and son Brian (1973-2023). The DeChants then moved to Dunwoody, Georgia, where they were active members of the Village Mill neighborhood for 43 years.

Karen was a devoted wife and mother. In her devotion for caring for her son Brian, she became a champion for all those with special needs and disabilities. She will be remembered for her work to make opportunities available to families of special needs children. Karen had a quick wit, and quirky sense of humor that endeared her to many. She was a true animal lover and spent time as a "critter sitter". Karen was an active member of Dunwoody United Methodist for close to 40 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Dechant, her daughter Michelle, son Brian and brother John "Snubby" Schneider. She is survived by her daughter Jeneè DeChant of Macon, GA as well as dear friends Page Cox, Kathy Brockman and Carole Juray.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, December 18th in the chapel at the Dunwoody United Methodist Church. Friends are invited to a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Special Needs Ministry of Dunwoody UMC, a local animal shelter or an organization of your choice.