Charlotte Jacqueline Dean

September 27, 1937 – June 9, 2025

With deep love and sorrow, we announce the passing of Charlotte Jacqueline Dean, who died peacefully on June 9, 2025, at the age of 87.

Charlotte was born on September 27, 1937, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Walter and Stella (Anderson) Singleton. She was the youngest of three children and the last surviving member of her immediate family, preceded in death by her parents, her sister Joy Beane, and her brother Ronald Singleton.

Charlotte’s adventurous and independent spirit was evident from an early age. At just 10 years old, she convinced a local crop-plane pilot to take her for a flight without her parents’ knowledge. At 15, she chose to move to Searcy, Arkansas, on her own to attend and board at Harding Academy, where she completed high school.

In 1955, she married the love of her life, Herb Dean. Their nearly 60-year marriage was filled with devotion and deep faith, ending only with Herb’s passing in May 2014. Together they raised four children and cultivated a legacy of love, service, and steadfast values.

Charlotte is lovingly remembered by her children: Dan (Nancy) Dean, Dave (Lori) Dean, Sara Linton, and Tracy (Scott) Gillespie. She was a proud grandmother to Laura (Greg), Andrew (Brittany), Ryan (Lauren), Bethany (Bernard), Rachel (Steve), and Phillip, and a joyful great-grandmother to twelve: Saria, Sage, Saunder, Savlyn, Sayla, Sawyer, Riley, Elliot, Noah, Jacob, Jacob, and Dean.

Charlotte was a witty soul who loved to sing and to laugh, and she was a voracious reader. In a time when married women often didn’t work outside the home, she found fulfillment finding jobs as a typist and in newspaper advertising in the 1950s, and then later earning her Associate’s Degree and working as a bookkeeper. She retired as an assistant engineer at TRW.

Her life was grounded in faith. She supported her husband’s ministry as a preacher’s wife at Livonia Church of Christ and Northeast Church of Christ, and later as an elder’s wife at Rochester Church of Christ in the Detroit metropolitan area. In retirement, Charlotte and Herb moved to Crossville, Tennessee, where they became beloved members of the Linary Church of Christ. In her later years, she lived in Nashville and was a faithful member of Brentwood Hills Church of Christ.

In her final years, Charlotte continued to teach by example. Though nearly deaf and blind and confined to her bed at NHC Franklin, she never lost her wit or grace. Instead, her faith grew even stronger. She became a prayer warrior from her bed, inspiring her family and caregivers alike as a powerful model of contentment in all circumstances. Her spirit remained luminous, and her presence continued to bless those around her.

Charlotte was not a fan of cut flowers (she was allergic), and the family kindly requests no floral arrangements. Instead, contributions may be made in honor of her final wishes: to have her and Herb’s ashes scattered over Lake Michigan near the spot where he proposed to her. If you feel inclined to support this farewell, you may do so online with Venmo @Tracy-Gillespie-1.

A celebration of Charlotte’s life will take place on Friday, June 13, at 1603 Reed Dr., Brentwood, TN, 37027. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by a brief and informal sharing of memories at 6:00 PM. The gathering will be casual and comfortable, so come as you are, just as Charlotte would have wished. Please note that parking is limited in the neighborhood. Attendees are encouraged to park at the community clubhouse, overflow parking areas, or be dropped off at the residence. For those who may need accessible parking, please reach out to the family directly.