Beatris Dean

Beatris Dean was born on December 22, 1944 in Boyd, Taylor County, FL. She was known by many names to her family and friends, “Bea”, “Momma,” “Grandma”, “Deannie”, “Aunt Bea”, and “Ms. Bea” to name a few. She graduated from Jerkins High School in Perry, FL, and played on the girls’ basketball team.

Beatris married Robert James Dean, Sr. in Perry, FL on February 29, 1964. They were married over 48 years and were blessed with three children. In 1968, they moved to Indianapolis, IN. They enjoyed working together in their garden, and on improvement projects to their home, of over 34 years, located at 2016 West 63rd Street. They retired from Carrier, she after 19 years in 2012, and he after 35 years in 2003. The many years they spent driving to and from work together strengthened their bond, and love and respect for one another.

Beatris and Robert, Sr. joined Seven Star Missionary Baptist Church in 1975. She had been a member of the choir and a deaconess, and he served as a deacon and member of the Male Chorus. They were Christians and always put the Lord first. They believed in sacrifice and worked extremely hard to provide for their family, and passed these values on to their children and grandchildren. Beatris was a dedicated wife, and a loving, caring, and giving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Beatris was preceded in death by her parents Oliver and Eldora McCray; husband Robert, Sr. who preceded her on April 17, 2012; and three brothers and four sisters.

Beatris is survived by daughters LaTronza Uletha Dean of McKinney, TX, and Veronica Lashelle Abraham and her husband Mickel Abraham of Charlotte, NC; son Robert James Dean, Jr. and his wife Cassi Marie Dean of Indianapolis; 11 grandchildren -- Robert Lee Dean, Nieko Wadley, Malcom Evans, Zavian Dean, Devin Dean, James Pannell III, Teshaun Dean, JaQuon Dean, Dequan Dean, Braylon Dean, and Casey Beatris M. Dean; 5 great-grandchildren -- Leonnah Dean, Ma’Cylei Evans, Brooklyn Evans, Seijzi Dean, and Sailla Dean; her sister, Gertrude McCray of Indianapolis; and a host of family members and friends.