Elizabeth Anne Dean

Elizabeth Anne Tillman Dean was born in Monroe, Louisiana to Theodore David Tillman and Zelma Inez Minor on March 2, 1931. She attended Barkdull Faulk Elementary School and then Ouachita Parish High School, graduating in 1948.

She attended Louisiana Tech University and graduated in 1952 with a B.A. in Elementary Education. She was listed in “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities”, was active in the Baptist Student Union, Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Lionettes and various clubs. Immediately after graduating, she married the love of her life, Jack Pearce Dean.

Elizabeth was basically a homemaker raising their three children. When they were older, she taught third and fourth grade at Bearss Academy for several years. She then began her volunteer years working with Goodwill Industries as Tutor, President of GIVS, Chairman of the Antiques Show and member of the Goodwill Board. She was honored as Southeast Volunteer of the Year in 1977 and received the Governor’s Volunteer Award in 1980 for her work.

She worked with United Way as Division Chairman, Account Executive and was on the Board of Directors. Her work with Salvation Army Auxiliary included Corresponding Secretary and Membership Chairman. She was a member of the Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Auxiliary, chairing a benefit in 1980 and received several Volunteer Awards. She was an active member and held leadership positions in Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae Club and Jackson Panhellenic Association.

She and Jack were charter members of Northminster Baptist Church where she served as President of the W.M.U., taught a women’s Sunday School for 15 years, and was instrumental in beginning the Adopt-A-School Committee for Spann School and the PrimeTimers Group.

Elizabeth was active in Pleiades Club, Town Club, High Noon Club, and was a member of Y’s Women of Jackson Investment Club. She and her husband have been interested in genealogy for a number of years and she was a member of Fort Rosalie DAR serving as Registrar for a number of years. She was a member of First Families of Mississippi, First Families of Louisiana and Family Research Association.

She is survived by her husband, Jack Dean and her children: Linda Ratchford (Mike); Cynthia Thomas (Wayne) and James Dean (Theresa) and grandchildren: Elise Ratchford, Ted Ratchford, Natalie Thomas, Spencer Thomas, Michael Dean (Maggie) and Ashley Dean.

A Memorial service will be held at Northminster Baptist Church on Friday September 23, 2016 with visitation at 9am in the great hall followed by the memorial service in the sanctuary at 11am. Burial will be in Monroe, Louisiana at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Northminster Baptist Church or Goodwill Industries.