Gloria A Dean

Gloria passed away peacefully surrounded by her two surviving sons and their wives on the evening of August 31, 2021. Gloria was affectionately known as “Mingo” to most friends and family. She was 86. She was preceded in death by her parents Horace Kaylor and Margaret Wise and her son Gary Lane Dean. She is survived by her husband Lawrence E. Dean (Bo/Papa) and sons Larry Wayne (Jennifer Eggleston) and David Lawrence (Yvonne Tyson). She is also survived by her grandchildren Eryn Dean, Lauren Hunt (Leigh), Amber Johnson, Rachel George (Jared), Lindsey Fowler (Trent), Christopher Dean (Laura), Wesley Dean (Mélanie), Beau Dean (Jordan) and great grandchildren Logan Fowler, Carter Fowler, Grace Fowler, Noah Fowler, Emery George, and Norma Dean. She was expecting the arrival of another great grandson in September and another great grandchild in December.

Gloria, who was born and raised in Atlanta, met Bo on a blind date arranged by her Milledgeville college roommate, Elaine, who later became her future sister-in-law. Bo was on leave with the US Navy at the time. They married in October 1954 and moved to Norfolk, Va. They had their twin sons Larry and Gary in September 1955 and son David in 1957. Shortly thereafter they were transferred to the Pacific fleet. Bo served in the US Naval submarine service requiring him to remain at sea for long periods of time. Gloria was busy maintaining the home front while Bo went to sea missing many holidays and birthdays. When the boys got older, she worked many defense contractor jobs and did secretarial and business office manager positions as they moved around the country. After Bo retired from the Navy in 1968, the family moved to Columbus, GA and resided there for five years. The family moved to Dothan, AL in 1973 and eventually moved to Birmingham, AL in 1980.

Gloria was well known for her quiet southern manners and cooking. She would welcome many into her home at the drop of a hat for wonderful meals and enjoyed making people feel at home. Her daughters-in-law admired her for her independence and strength of character which was a result of her upbringing as well as from being a career Navy wife. Her grandchildren especially loved her cooking and marveled at how she could make a simple ham and cheese sandwich amazing!

The family extends their heartfelt love and appreciation to Mingo and Papa’s caregivers, Monica, Valerie, Darlene and Qula. Their love, devotion and care allowed Mingo and Papa to continue living in their home together, up until Mingo’s last day.

We were all so blessed to have her as a gracious example of womanhood in our lives. She made the world seem safer and sweet and made all feel welcome and at home. She had the most gracious soul. To know and meet her was to love her. We all take comfort knowing that our sweet Mingo is surrounded by loving family and in the rest of the Lord.

Memorial Services will be held at Ridouts Valley Chapel in Homewood, Alabama on September 7, 2021. Family will accept visitors from 11:00-11:30, with services to begin at 11:30. A graveside service will follow and held at 1:15 at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama.