Fannie Pearl Dean, age 84, passed away on January 30th, 2023

Fannie Pearl Dean was born November 15, 1938 to the late Elex P. and Alice C. Love in Sawyerville, Alabama.  She accepted Christ at a young age at the Wright’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Birmingham where she served as a Sunday School teacher.  Even as a teenager she mentored and cared for the children in her neighborhood. Mrs. Dean attended Daniel Payne College after she graduated from Parker High School in 1956.

She moved to Cleveland in the early 60’s with her young sons and met the love of her life Moses Dean.  They were happily married for 57 years and loved their three sons and a daughter dearly, Bruce Dean, Yvonne Gayle Raspberry, Randy & Terry Love. Moe preceded in her in death on July 31, 2010. Mrs. Dean was an active member of Aldersgate Methodist Church where she attended for over 60 years and served faithfully.

Mrs. Dean was a treasured member of the Warrensville Heights community and served at the school district since 1963. Every student, staff, and visitor to the schools knew and loved Mrs. Dean and had a special relationship with her. She was the heart and soul of the community, truly the “First Lady” of Warrensville Heights.

Over her decades of service to the District, there are few roles Mrs. Dean didn’t hold. If there was something needed at Warrensville Heights City Schools, Mrs. Dean made it happen. She was notorious for knowing the name of every single scholar that walked through the door, impacting thousands of students over her career.

Her career began as a noon time assistant when the first brown bag luncheon program was initiated, and her salary was $2.25 an hour. Mrs. Dean moved to the middle school where she was a hall monitor then later moved to High School as the Attendance Clerk and then to the recreation center as the Assistant to the Director.

Mrs. Dean worked as The Sub Coordinator for 18 years.  Mrs. Dean also worked the concession stands at all games (football, basketball, and volleyball), ticket sales, and ensured all students were in school daily. Mrs. Dean worked the food pantry twice a month, served as the blood drive coordinator since 1978 and never missed a day of work. She was a Drama Coach for 20 years and walked with the band in every parade. Mrs. Fannie Dean also started the floral garden in 1965 at the High School.

Mrs. Deans’ workday began at 4:30 a.m. when she opened the recreation center allowing walkers, runners, and swimmers to exercise before the school day began. From there she continued her day as the Attendance clerk and greeter to all students and staff right up to the day she exchanged Schoolbells ringing for the Angels Choir singing. The Lord called Roll and she replied “Present” on January 30, 2023.

Mrs. Fannie Dean was one of six sisters and three brothers. She is survived by one sister, Constance Edwards (Anthony) of Chicago, Il, two sons, Randy Love (Monday) of Huntsville, AL and Terry Love of Birmingham, AL, two bonus children, Bruce Dean & Gayle Yvonne Raspberry, two Aunts, Amanda Evans of Cleveland, OH and Ruby Warr of Markham, IL. Four grandchildren, Tuesday (Cameron), Ashley, Dentry, Ricardo. Four Greatgrandchildren, Chase, Blake, Kodi, Brodie and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.  She will be dearly missed and remembered as a “Tiger for Life.”