Lueellen Dean

A Queen has gained her crown. On Friday, October 3, 2025, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and matriarch, Mrs. Lue Ellen Dean-Fraley, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life into the arms of her Heavenly Father-Just one day shy of her 92nd birthday.

Born in Wadley, Georgia, on October 4, 1933, she was a phenomenal, God-fearing woman whose faith and prayer life shaped generation. A true woman of virtue, she lived out Proverbs 31 daily – loving, serving, and praying without ceasing. Her wisdom was divine, her knowledge God-given, and her spirit unmatched.

From an early age, she taught her children who God was - how to pray, how to seek Him in every area of life, and how to love others as Christ loves us. Her words carried power, and her life reflected everything she taught. Through her gentle hands and compassionate heart, she modeled kindness, humility, and strength.

She was devoted to the love of her life, Mr. Emel Fraley, Sr., who preceded her in death. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, love, and the aroma of home-cooked meals whether straight from the oven, the grill, or the BBQ Pit. They hosted every family gathering, ensuring that no one ever left hungry or unloved. Their home was the heart of the family, where faith and food brought everyone together.

Cooking and baking were her ministry. Through her meals, she nourished souls as much as she did bodies. Her love flowed through her pots and pans, her recipes seasoned with grace and gratitude. Just as she nurtured her plants- her elephant ears, ferns, roses, and hydrangeas- each with special care, she nurtured her children/family with the same devotion and tenderness.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sweetheart, Emel Fraley Sr. ; sons, James Dean and Kenneth Dean; step-sons, Don Fraley and Emel Fraley Jr.; and siblings, Leroy Martin, Clifford Martin, Eugene Martin, Marilyn Howard, Carolyn Martin and Lula Mae Ferguson.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted children; Lee Dean Ferguson, Milton Dean, Patrick Dean, Virginia Dean, Carla Dean, and Amanda Dean; step-daughters, Carolyn Jones and Stephanie Jarrell-Smith; siblings, Larry Martin, Mary J. Martin, and Faye Smith; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

She was the matriarch and glue of the family – a prayer warrior, a peacemaker, and a protector. Her love was fierce and unwavering. If you had an issue with her family, you had an issue with her – because her love was that deep, that loyal, and that real.

She may not have graduated Summa Cum Laude from any Earthly institution, but she has earned her Heavenly Crown – Summa Cum Laude in Love, Faith, and Grace.

Her Legacy of prayer, family unity, and unconditional love will live on in every heart she touched.