Willa Dean Guest

Dean graduated from Waco High School and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Education from Trinity College and a Master’s degree in Ministry from Trinity Theological Seminary.

Dean’s life was dedicated to the service of others as she was called to minister the Gospel of Christ around the world. Her journey started with lay missions assignments through her local church, followed by her first international missions work in South Africa for a two-year term. She then spent a year in Haiti working with children in a Christian school. Later, Dean and her husband, John formed the Luminaires. This group was composed of students from Christ for the Nations and their commission was to “present Christ through sermon and song”. They made three world tours ministering in over 40 countries. Later, Dean was ordained by the Methodist Church. She loved being a pastor and was passionate in helping her congregants in any way possible.

Dean is survived by her children, Kelly Hendrickson and husband Tom; Mark Guest and wife Sue; grandchildren: Josh Hendrickson, Nathan Guest and wife Robin, Faith Silva and husband Nande. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John.

A memorial service to celebrate Dean’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 7th at McEwen Funeral Service – Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road. Charlotte, NC. Private interment will be held in Waco, Texas at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Congregational Care Ministry at Pineville United Methodist Church, 110 S Polk Street, Pineville, NC 28134.