Jerlene Dean departed this life peacefully to her Lord in heaven on Monday, November 12, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 89. Her life’s journey was one of devoted love and service to her family, friends, and everyone who came to know her.
Jerlene was born in San Augustine, Texas on June 10, 1929 to the late Rogie (Joe) and Cetta Sowell. One of six children, her early life was centered on regular chores to support the family farm, attending church, and an early awareness that an education was the key to achieving her goals to teach and serve others.
After graduating from high school in Kendleton, Texas she attended Prairie View A&M College where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics.
After college she married her college sweetheart who joined the US Army and three children were born of their union. Jerlene was a devoted military spouse who selflessly supported her community by raising her children to be good citizens while she served as a 3rd grade teacher at Logan Elementary school on Fort Bliss. Dedicated to education, she later attended night school and completed her Masters Degree in Administration from The University of Texas at El Paso. Jerlene was a very innovative teacher who received numerous awards and honors during her exemplary 38 year teaching career.
Upon her retirement in 1995, she moved to San Antonio, Texas where she continued supporting education in the local community as a substitute teacher in the local schools.
Of special note, it is documented that in her early years in El Paso in the 1960s, Jerlene was the first known African-American teacher to teach white children in the State of Texas, which opened the door for so many African-American teachers who followed her.
Jerlene was a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and was instrumental in establishing an undergraduate chapter Eta Delta on the University of Texas at El Paso campus. She also was a driving force in establishing a chapter of The Links, Inc. (an International Service Org.) in the El Paso area where she also was awarded a life membership.
Upon moving to San Antonio, she transferred both professional memberships and also joined and served with Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional teacher’s organization. In search of a church after her move, she united with Second Baptist Church where she enjoyed the fellowship of many Christian friends and supporting church activities.
As Jerlene’s health condition curtailed many of her activities in the community, she enjoyed the support and visitation from friends, relatives, and her local church who shared their love and gave her joy, while she remained steadfast to trust in the Lord to guide her path.
Jerlene leaves to cherish her memory and legacy: one daughter and son-in-law, Debra and Dale Volley (San Antonio, TX); two sons and daughters-in-law, Don and Jeri Dean (Plano, TX), Maj Gen (Ret) Garry and Elena Dean (Arlington, VA); and one sister, Glena Mae Foster, (Las Vegas, NV). She is also survived by ten grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, three nieces, three nephews, and many others who will miss her dearly.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 23,2018 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX. The funeral service will be held Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 11:00 am at Second Baptist Church, 3310 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX. 78220 followed by internment at Sunset Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, Jerlene requested that donations may be made in her memory to the Second Baptist Church Scholarship Fund.
