Betty Ann Macon Dean

Betty Ann Macon Dean, 86, passed peacefully into the Lord’s presence on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at home in Cary, North Carolina with her daughter, Denise Joyner, by her side. “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” Revelations 14:13 KJV Betty Dean was born January 26, 1937, in St. Petersburg, Florida to the late Mr. Dotry and Mrs. Louise (Wood) Macon. Betty Ann Macon was the third of 10 children. She grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida with a large majority of her adult life spent in Miami, Florida where she learned to flourish as she sacrificially lived out her calling contributing to others in her family, in her congregation, in her community with whatever she put her hands to, she gave completely of herself always striving to lift others up in the process. Aside from her complete devotion, love and sacrificial heart for her family and friends, Betty’s greatest achievement and contribution to her community was made manifest after many early years of keeping her younger siblings, nieces, and nephews; and after being employed over many years in various jobs and working tirelessly for a kindergarten for numerous years. She opened her own kindergarten: Lullabye Nursery & Kindergarten. This meant that children had a safe place to be with great education access and many women were employed that might not have otherwise had that opportunity afforded to them. She was an all-around creative artistic genius. A successful seamstress over her lifetime. She sewed a large majority of her clothes, her children’s and many, many friends’ clothes throughout the years. Whether it was for a planned special occasion or unplanned funeral need, she always used her sewing skills to serve others and meet their needs and most importantly, she always had an abundance of material and supplies-at-the-ready. There was never a shortage. Additionally, she developed her skills to the degree that she designed, and sewed wedding gowns & bridesmaids dresses, a tuxedo, draperies, baby blankets & quilts to name a few things. She eventually added to her long list of endeavors wedding advisor/planner & decorator. She went to school and learned how to bake and decorate cakes and made wedding cakes, too. She could crochet, needlepoint, embroidery and made macramé plant hangers; additionally, she crafted women’s hats, handkerchiefs, anything with lace, ribbon, material, buttons, and the like. Betty’s life is a true inspiration and although our hearts are broken at her passing, we rejoice knowing she is now in the presence of the Almighty, at peace, at rest with no more sickness, no more pain. She is survived by her son, John C. Hopkins of Miami, Florida; her daughter, Denise Dean Joyner and Son-in-law, Anthony Wayne Joyner and grandson, Jeremy Joyner, who she lived with for 17 years in their loving care in Cary, North Carolina. A granddaughter, who she raised from the age of five to high school age, Danielle L. Jones Hammons (Richard) of Tallahassee, Florida A stepson, Dwight Anthony Dean, and his daughters: Terrica Dean Vincent (Maurice) and her children: Camauria, Kyndal, Kynlei, and Richard; Tamara Dean and her son, Bently Williams all of Talladega, AL Her siblings: Mary Richard (Morgan Richard) of Miami, Florida; Marian Burns (d. William “Pitt”) of St. Petersburg, FL; Danny Macon (Rosa) of Delaware; Darrell Macon (June) of Maryland; Dena Nelson (Collie) of St. Petersburg, FL The Best Sister-in-Law in the World: Carolyn L. Macon of St. Petersburg, FL Brother-in-Law: Robert Meyers (preceded in death Rozelia Meyers) Cousin: Johnnie J. Preston (Ret. Army) of Tallahassee, FL Great grands: Vishon Symonds, William Nix, and Jordan Nix, all of Tallahassee, FL Nephews & Nieces: Bruce Barton, Donna Barton Manning (King), Vanessa Jones, Tony Jones, Gregory Jones, Fabrae Hearns, Taffye Macon all of St. Petersburg, FL; Sabrina Richard of Miami, FL; Darice Richard (Willie) of Tallahassee, FL; Santigo Nelson Atlanta, Georgia; Katina Nelson Averette (Robert) St. Petersburg, Fl; Brandon Macon, (Devin) of Maryland; Teresa Preston Love of Quincy, FL; Sharon Butterfield (preceded in death), Karen Myers, Gerald Myers, Lettie Meyers McGhee, Marquetta Meyers Rojas, and Robert M. Myers all of Miami, FL Grand-nieces & nephews: Brandon-Christopher Macon, Denia Averette, Katlyn Averette, Morgan Watkins Special friends: Ms. Ebbie Adams of St. Louis, MO; Mr. Carl Coley of Miami, Florida; Ms. Bertha Alexander of Miami, Fl; Mrs. Pam Aydelott of Powell, TN; Ms. Marlene Ibgo-Nwoke of Eustis, Florida; Ms. Emma Moore & Yvonne Debos of Orlando, Florida. She was preceded in death by her former husband of 56 years and 9 months, William N. Dean (d. 8/13/2021) and her daughter, LaWanda Fay Dean-Jones (d. 9/10/2021); her sisters: Fannie Barton (d.1963); Doris (died as a baby); and Dorothy Nelson (d. 2021), and her brother Samuel Macon (d. 1979) Betty M. Dean will be interred at the columbarium in Memorial Park Cemetery, 5750 49th Street North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33709

Betty Ann Macon Dean

January 26, 1937 - March 23, 2023