Bobbie Dean

Bobbie Dean, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, coach, mentor, and friend, passed away leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and service that touched countless lives. The world lost a beautiful light in Bobbie—a woman whose kindness, unwavering faith, and fierce love for her family and community left an unforgettable mark on everyone she met.

Born in Zion, Illinois, in 1947, Bobbie built a life centered on lifting others up and helping them reach their fullest potential. In 1982, she made Sarasota, Florida, her home, where she became a cherished member of the community and a faithful worshiper at First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota. She didn't simply live in Sarasota—she embraced it as her mission field, pouring her heart into serving others and sharing God's love through her actions every day.

Music was another lifelong expression of Bobbie's faith. A gifted pianist, she generously shared her talents with her church communities over the years and served as an organist for one of the churches she loved. Whether at the piano, in the choir, or among her church family, Bobbie found joy in using music to worship, encourage others, and bring people together.

Bobbie was the beloved wife of James "Jim" L. Dean. Their love story began at Drake University, where they met as students and discovered a shared passion for music, singing together in the university choir. What began as a friendship built on harmony blossomed into a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, unwavering support, and decades of treasured memories.

Family was at the heart of everything Bobbie did. She is survived by her devoted husband, James "Jim" L. Dean; her son, James "Mick" M. Dean; her daughter, Kelly D. Rhodes and son-in-law Scott Rhodes; her beloved grandchildren, Lillian Thurston and her husband Garrett Thurston, Ansley Dean, Kai Rhodes, and Spencer Rhodes and his wife Deanna Rhodes; her cherished great-grandchildren, Juniper Rhodes and Simon Rhodes; and her loving sister, Marti Fox, and brother-in-law Robert Fox. Bobbie was also joyfully anticipating the arrival of Lillian and Garrett's unborn child. Though she will not meet this precious new life in person, her love, strength, and legacy will forever be a part of the newest generation of her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John "Jack" Leech and Eleanor Leech, and her sister, Beverly Sprague, who surely welcomed her home with open arms.

One of Bobbie's greatest passions was volleyball. For sixteen years, she dedicated herself to coaching and mentoring young athletes, helping them grow not only as players but as confident, compassionate individuals. She founded the Whitesands Volleyball Club and coached at Booker High School, where her leadership transformed lives. Through her dedication, more than sixty athletes earned college volleyball scholarships and continued their athletic careers at universities across the country. To her players, Bobbie was far more than a coach, she was a mentor, advocate, second mom, and a constant source of encouragement who believed in them long before they believed in themselves.

Bobbie will be remembered for her generous spirit, steadfast faith, and remarkable ability to inspire everyone around her. Whether cheering from the sidelines, mentoring a young athlete, singing with her church family, opening her home to others, or supporting those she loved through every season of life, she brought warmth, strength, grace, and compassion wherever she went.

Her legacy lives on through her family, the generations of athletes whose lives she helped shape, her church community, and the countless friends and neighbors who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

A celebration of Bobbie's life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota on Saturday, September 12, at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend as they gather to honor and celebrate her remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota, FL 34237 or The Humane Society of Sarasota County, https://www.hssc.org/donate-now