Elizabeth "Libba" Dean Miller

Dallas will miss one of its most beloved, beautiful, sophisticated and dignified citizens with the passing of Elizabeth “Libba” Conner Dean Miller, on February 9, 2012. She died peacefully of a combination of complications from old age and heart failure, surrounded by her loving family. Libba was born on March 10, 1925 in the western hills of Tennessee high above the Mississippi River in Ripley, to Charles Calvin and Bessie Barbee Conner. Libba had an idyllic childhood, filled with love, until the untimely death of her mother when she was only 13, followed by the death of her father just one year later. At 15, she moved to Waco, Texas where she was raised by her dear aunt and uncle, Margie & Bill Erwin.

While in high school she met and fell in love her future husband, William Berry Dean. Libba’s selfless love began early when she committed to support her husband’s desire to pursue his family legacy of service to mankind through medicine by working hard to put him through medical school at Baylor in Houston and residency in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Libba spent her early years as the wind beneath the sails of Dr. Dean, who impacted the Dallas community in so many ways – not only as a renowned pediatrician, but also in pursuit of his passion of pioneering in the field of learning disabilities and dyslexia with their creation of The Dean Learning Center, and additionally with their creation of The Oak Cliff Creative Arts Center, and with his service as member and Chairman the Dallas Parks and Recreation Board for well over a decade, 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason among many, many other mutual pursuits in education, performing and fine arts, Historic Preservation, Farming, Ranching and Agricultural Endeavors and Church and Faith Based Pursuits. Libba was always at his side and he at hers as they mutually gave their lives in selfless service supporting these and many other community and philanthropic endeavors.

Libba’s role as unconditional loving and supportive mother began during Dr. Dean’s medical school and residency with the birth of her two sons, William B. Dean, Jr. in Houston and David Allen Dean in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Shortly thereafter, Libba, Dr. Dean and their two sons moved to Dallas and put down roots in the Kessler Park area of Dallas near Methodist Hospital. Libba became involved with her boys’ schools while developing an abiding faith in Jesus through her membership in Kessler Park United Methodist Church and later, Highland Park United Methodist Church. Libba’s faith-filled life was evident to all she touched. Her strength of spirit and character was limitless. Her lifelong saying of “keep your eyes on Jesus” was the source of her peace and inspiration for life.

Nine years after 2nd son, Libba and Dr. Dean were blessed with a wonderful surprise, the birth of their daughter Rebecca. Libba’s fiercely loyal devotion and unconditional love for her three children were borne out in numerous expressions: she never missed a single sporting event of her children at Hockaday or St. Mark’s; a Den Mother in Cub Scouting; she was a great friend who was always available; and was a constant source of wisdom and inspiration throughout their lives.

After 35 years of marriage, Dr. Dean went to be with the Lord at the premature age of 57. Later in life, Libba was blessed to meet and marry Charles William Miller. They spent many happy years together before he too passed away in 2003.

Libba’s imprint on the community was deep and wide and will be missed dearly. She was involved in numerous charities: President of the Dallas County Medical Society Auxiliary, Dallas Women’s Club member, Dallas Cut Glass Society, the Dean Christian Fellowship, the Dallas Bridge Club and many, many others. Libba’s life of selfless giving and compassion was evident throughout her years. Even into her late seventies, she was delivering meals and praying with the elderly and homebound. Libba was a strong woman both in her person and her faith who survived and prospered during numerous medical challenges. Libba was the definition of an avid sports fan. She could talk facts and statistics on just about any college or professional sport or team or player. Her great sense of humor and always keeping her eyes on Jesus carried her always with a smile on her beautiful face that lifted the spirits of every one she touched.

If you knew Libba, you respected her. If Libba knew you, you knew you were loved by her. She will be dearly missed.

Well done! Good and faithful servant!

FAMILY: Survived by her adoring family – son, William Berry Dean, Jr. (Bill) son, David Allen Dean (both of Dallas) and Daughter, Rebecca Dean Dewey (from Newport Beach, California)

Grandchildren – Hillary Diane Dean, William B. Dean III (Barrett) and his wife Stephanie Knapp Dean, Diana Dean, Grant Dewey, David Dewey

Great Grandchildren – William B. Dean IV, Jackson Dean

Wonderful Daughters & Sons-in-Law: Amy Arquilla Dean, Jean Maier Dean and John Dewey and soon to be Grandson-in-Law: Scott Siekierski

PREDECEASED BY: Her beloved first husband and the father of her children: William Berry Dean, M.D. who went to Glory in 1979 when she was only 53 years old after 35 years of marriage; her wonderful second husband later in life: Charles William Miller who passed away in 2003 and her sister: Ann Conner Vaden of Halls, Tennessee.

SERVICE: Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 12 noon at the Sparkman/Hillcrest Chapel 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225 with graveside service and internment immediately following on property.

Officiants: Reverend Bill Smith and soloist Rebecca Campbell both of Highland Park United Methodist Church

Pallbearers: Bill Dean, David Dean, Barrett Dean, John Dewey, Scott Siekierski, John Blakney, Guy K. Driggs, M.D. and Bill Huber.

Junior Pallbearers: Grant Dewey, David Dewey, William B. Dean IV and Jackson Dean

VISITATION: Saturday, February 11 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Sparkman/Hillcrest; Harpist: Carol West

In Lieu of Flowers: Memorials in her name to any of the following: The Dean Learning Center, the WE Care Ministry of Highland Park United Methodist Church, Spina Bifida Foundation, Dallas Theological Seminary, Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, Thanks-Giving Square Foundation, Dallas Baptist University, the Last Languages Campaign of Wycliffe Bible Translators, the Dallas Parks Foundation, the Dallas Women’s Club, the North Texas Crime Commission, the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, Circle 10 Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Dallas Garden Club or to your favorite charity.