Marie Orr Dean

Originally from Pender County, NC, Marie and her older sister Jewell were born to Paul and Lydie English Orr. Marie graduated from the East Carolina Teacher’s College, now East Carolina University, in Greenville. She completed a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics, with a minor in Science, and also earned her NC teaching certificate.

In college, Marie met Maynard Dean, a military veteran-student from Granville County who graduated with a Reserve officer commission in the U.S. Air Force. When he was ordered to active duty, they married while he was on leave enroute to the war in Korea.

Marie and Maynard both taught in Onslow County Public Schools. Teaching was never an easy profession, particularly in their early years when a teacher’s job ran on a nine-month employment contract with no paychecks for three months. Her personal resilience was keenly tested when in 1954 Hurricane Hazel struck coastal NC and destroyed their home. Throughout their 56 years of marriage, she proved herself as a devoted and supportive wife.

Marie also became a loving and adventuresome mother of three children – Ben, Teresa, and Perry. Typical family life included traveling, camping, and gardening. Marie especially enjoyed growing flowers, sewing clothes, and playing piano.

During Marie’s 30-year career in secondary education, she helped to design and implement a new “Careers” curriculum for middle/junior high school students. She also participated in multiple professional organizations. Marie actively engaged her Christian faith in many ways, such as by volunteering in choirs, women’s ministries, and Sunday School classes.

When Marie and Maynard eventually retired, they wanted to be closer to family, so they relocated from Jacksonville, NC to Raleigh. In Raleigh, they actively participated at Hillcrest Baptist Church. Maynard died in 2007. As long as her health permitted, she continued to seek out people to share coffee, smiles, and encouragement'

Among Marie’s remaining family members are the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren named here.

Benjamin Dean (wife Nancy, deceased): Jason and Alisa Dean, with Evan, Emmie, and Ella; Lindsey Elizabeth Dean Brogli and Matthew Brogli, with Kenna, Finnegan, Gunnar, and Duncan.

Teresa Dean McComas (husband Rush, deceased): Nigel and Amanda McComas, with Eli; Trevor and Leigh McComas, with Bolton, Dallas, Wolfe, Jensen, and Malia; and Cody McComas.

Perry and Susan Dean: English Dean McPhillips and Mathew McPhillips, with Jett and James; and Mathis Dean.

Marie’s family and many friends appreciate her legacy of love and faith, and will miss her greatly!

A Celebration of Life will be held at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, located at 1701 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609, United States. The service is scheduled for January 7, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.