Dean Nelson

Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home Thursday, March 5, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Leading the graveside service will be Bro. Sam Delaney at Sunset Memorial Park beginning at 11:00 a.m. Dean will be laid to rest beside her long-time love Ray Maddox.

Dean leaves three children to cherish her memory: Sharon (Ronald) Montgomery, Connie Goins, and David (Patty) Nelson.

She also leaves nine adoring grandchildren: Dale (Shannon) Montgomery, Leslie Rice, Brent Montgomery, April (Ezra) Meyer, Pasha (Brian) McAbee, Fallon (Lee) Evans, Hunter Goins, Casey (Bryan) Hood, and Chad Nelson.

She also leaves eighteen great grandchildren: Drake (Lauren) Montgomery, Parker (Sydney) Montgomery, Brylan Rice, Hartlie Rice, Blaklie Deavours, Grayson Montgomery, Jude Montgomery, Paisley Montgomery, Eli Hart, Emery Hart, Eliana Meyer, Brady McAbee, Mary Hollis McAbee, Nelson McAbee, Fisher Evans, Carrington Evans, Bentlee Evans, and Vivi Evans.

Dean was also blessed with three special step-children, who are loving and devoted siblings to her own children: Patty (Roger) Rhodes, Buddy (Sabrina) Nelson, and James (Clare) Nelson.

Dean is survived by her sisters Barbara Packard, Patricia (Tuffy) Boyd, Brenda (Tommy) Michalski, and sister-in-law Earlene Sartain.

Dean was the favorite aunt to many nieces and nephews and was a beloved first cousin. Missing her will also be her long-time special friend Bett Newman.

Dean was preceded in death by her son-in-law David Goins, sisters Margie Woods and husband Harvey, Yvonne Banks and husband Victor, brothers Jerry Sartain and wife Jackie, Ronnie Sartain, and brother-in-law Les Packard.

Pallbearers will be grandsons and great grandsons: Dale Montgomery, Brent Montgomery, Chad Nelson, Drake Montgomery, Parker Montgomery, and Brylan Rice.

Dean was a gifted cook. Among her grandchildren's favorite memories are baking cakes together. Her most special gift was in making everyone feel welcomed and appreciated. Her door was always open. She was a giver and was generous with her time. She had an infectious sense of humor. Her laughter will be deeply missed. Family was everything. She loved her family dearly and they loved her in return.

Dean was a hard worker and confident provider, retiring with 25 years of service at Bryce Hospital.

The family is forever indebted to sisters Brenda, for her expert PT care, and Barbara, for her unending love and encouragement. Caregivers Susan Largin and Maggie Wells remain in the family’s hearts for the compassion and care they provided. Thank you always.

In lieu of flowers, the family will be grateful for donations made in Dean’s name to Hospice of West Alabama, 3851 Loop Rd., Tuscaloosa 35404, or Rice’s Valley Baptist Church, 3890 Watermelon Rd., Northport 35473.