Joyce Alfra Dean

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce Alfra Dean, a beloved sister, aunt, companion, educator, sorority sister, and trailblazer, who passed away on September 6, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born October 10, 1941, in Fort Myers, Florida, Joyce was the firstborn of six children of Christopher and Ella (Owens) Dean. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Christopher Dean Jr. and twins Ronald and Donald Dean. She is survived by her sister, Janice (Dean) Newmark; her baby brother, Thomas B. Dean; and her devoted friend and companion of 20 years, Sandra “Vivian” Green.

Joyce’s life was defined by education, service, faith, perseverance, and devotion to family. She graduated from Dunbar High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in 1963, later pursuing graduate studies at Michigan State University.

Joyce devoted 33 years to education, beginning as a physical education teacher at Dunbar High School and later teaching at Cypress Lake Middle School following integration. A trailblazer in her community, she also made history as the first Black professor hired at Edison Community College, now Florida SouthWestern State College.

In 1967, Joyce became a founding charter member and the first Basileus of the Eta Alpha Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Her commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and finer womanhood spanned nearly six decades. A proud Crystal Dove, she became a Life Member of the Sorority in 2007.

Joyce’s life was also a testament to remarkable strength. She battled multiple myeloma for nearly 35 years, ultimately achieving full remission and remaining cancer-free for the final five years of her life.

Among those who will forever cherish Joyce’s memory are her nephews, Gregory Dean, Terrance Dean, Thomas Dean Jr., Christopher Newmark; her nieces, Aja Dean, Alfreda Dean, Ashayla Dean, Delbra Dean, Keasha Dean, Sabrina Matthews, and Keena Stallworth; her cousins, Bernicene Griffin, Glen Hensley, Niecy Hensley, Angela Marshall, Frank Robinson, Winnifred Stevens, and Yvonne Vest; and her godsons, Jason Herring and Arlos-Stroud. She is also lovingly remembered alongside her late nephews, Byron Dean and Ronald Dean Jr.

Homegoing Service

Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

2030 Palm Avenue

Fort Myers, Florida 33916

Burial will immediately follow at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, Florida 33913.