Doris Jean Dean

Doris J. Taylor Bray Dean passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 9th at the age of 93. Doris is preceded in death by her son, Michael Bray, her sister Virginia Coppersmith, her grandson Kirk Bray, husbands Ted Bray and Lloyd Dean, and her parents, John and Ruth Taylor.

Doris Taylor Dean was born on May 22nd, 1930, in Spokane, Washington, and graduated from West Valley High School in 1948. Doris married Ted Bray on May 25th, 1950, at Millwood Presbyterian, and both studied at Eastern Washington College. Doris and Ted started a family with their son, Michael, followed by their daughters, Melanie, Carlie, and Jeannie. They lived in Stockton, California from 1957-1969, where Doris worked at John Deere Parts Depot and Occidental Chemical Company.

Ted and Doris divorced in 1967, and Doris returned to Spokane, dedicating 17 years of hard work to Cominco American. Doris married Lloyd Dean on October 10th, 1975 and her family became even larger.

After retirement, she remained busy as an active member of her community. Doris spent her time volunteering at Barton School, where she helped immigrants in Spokane learn English. She also served as Secretary at Foothills Community Church, bookkeeper for Splashdown Water Park, Widows Fellowship at church, and a Coast Guard Auxiliary member. In her free time, she enjoyed spending time with her friends playing dominoes, working in her garden, and crocheting a gift or sewing a quilt for every person in her life.

Doris leaves behind a flourishing family, including 2 sisters, 4 children, 17 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial to celebrate Doris’ life will be held in Summer 2024; details will be announced closer to the event. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Barton School in Doris’ honor.

May Doris’ soul rest in eternal peace with the Lord, and may her memory live on in the hearts of those who loved her.