Margaret Ann Hayes Darreff

Dean was born in Syracuse, New York, on June 9, 1970. He was a 1989 graduate of Niceville High School in Niceville, Florida, he went on to serve in the United States Navy. After his time in the Navy, Dean began his career in Hospitality Management working at Pompano Joe’s (Destin, FL), Longhorn Steakhouse (Destin, FL & Atlanta, GA), and Applebee’s (Statesboro, GA). Dean also attended Keiser University. Upon relocating to Jacksonville, Florida, Dean tapped into his entrepreneurial spirit and the small business world when he founded B3 (Banjo’s Best Buddies) Pet Services.

Ann was born in East Point, Georgia, on March 18, 1970. She was a 1988 graduate of Redan High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia. She later earned her associate’s degree from Perimeter College in Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to and during college, Ann began her career in Hospitality Management working in several establishments leading to her time with Longhorn Steakhouse in Atlanta, Georgia, and later Destin, Florida. Transitioning into fine dining, Ann continued her career with the Crow’s Nest (Venice, FL), Chart House (Savannah, GA), and Aqua Grill (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL).

Ann and Dean’s paths crossed at the Destin Longhorn Steakhouse in 1998 and they immediately fell in love. They were engaged later that year and married on October 16, 1999. Together, they were passionate about animals, Florida State University football, the Atlanta Braves and Green Bay Packers (Ann), Seattle Seahawks (Dean), and most importantly, each other.

Dean is survived by his mother, Helen M. Bryant; sister, Lisa Ramirez (Tony); uncle, Phil Embley (Connie); cousins, Patrick Embley (Claire) and David Embley; and family friend, Joe Fiorito. He is pre-deceased by his father, Edward R. Darreff; and stepfather, William F. Bryant, Jr.

Ann is survived by her father and stepmother, William “Buddy” and Elizabeth “BJ” Hayes; sisters, Kathy Hayes, Debbie Hayes Okenica (Matt), and Sara Hayes Stewart (Robby); as well as a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is pre-deceased by her mother, Joan Conrad Hayes.

Together, they are survived by their canine fur babies, Banjo, Bowden, and Barney. Ann and Dean were loving aunt and uncle to their nieces and nephews; Cassandra Rios (Robert), Madeline Okenica, Cameron Okenica, Mia Stewart, Elizabeth Stewart, Bo Stewart, Hagan Adams, and Charlotte Rios.

Everyone knows Ann and Dean shared an incredible bond and love to be admired. And now they will rest in peace together.

Memorial donations may be made in the name of “Dean and Ann Darreff” to:

K-9s For Warriors

k9sforwarriors.org.

Celebration of Life plans are forthcoming and will be communicated.