Deacon Joseph LeBaron Dean

Deacon Joseph LeBaron Dean, age 77, of Dallas, Texas passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024. For unto parents, John S. Dean, Sr. and Eula B. Raine-Dean, a son was born on January 24, 1947, in Mount Vernon, Alabama and he was named Joseph LeBaron Dean. Like the Biblical Patriarch Joseph, Joseph L. Dean was endued with godly wisdom. He was a man of principles with godly fear. Raised in Williams Chapel Baptist Church, in Mobile County, Alabama he accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized at an early age. He was the youngest of twelve children.

After graduating in 1965 from Rosa Lott High School in Citronelle, Alabama Joseph attended Selma University in Selma, Alabama. He later earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education in 1970 from Bishop College in Dallas. Furthering his education Joseph received his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Prairie View A & M University.

He married the love of his life, college sweetheart, Dorris Bagby on August 19, 1972. To this union were born two children: Son, Blandon T. Dean, and daughter, Joselyn L. Dean.

Joseph was an educator and coach over 25 years teaching and encouraging students at: Lincoln High School (Teacher of the Year 1974), Lisbon Elementary, and N. W. Harlee Elementary. He retired from H. S. Thompson Learning Center in 2008 (Teacher of the Year 2004-2005). He received numerous awards throughout his seventy-seven years and attained success in network marketing with A. L. Williams, Excel, and Ambit Energy.

His Christian education was ongoing. He and his Wife joined Carver Heights Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend Tyler Carter. They later united with AFMBC as Charter Members, under the leadership of the late Dr. Karry D. Wesley.

Joseph was a kind-hearted beacon of light following godly headship along the paths of righteousness. He was graced with the ability to teach, train and take others by the hand leading them to God's truth. He loved his family and church. He was an ordained deacon and passionately served in many capacities over 30 years including: Sunday School teacher, AFMBC Male Chorus, and the Men’s Visitation Team providing ministry to members in nursing homes, hospitals, and also made home visits to the sick or bereaved. His mission was not to live life in vain, but rather to allow his steps to leave foundational imprints for upcoming generations. Joseph was an impactful mentor and speaker who never met a stranger, he had an infectious sense of humor; and everyone mattered to him.

Standing 6’9” Joseph enjoyed basketball and tennis he was also drawn to the outdoors and took many fishing and hunting trips with loved ones including nephew Ronald Ingram, cousin Rev. Rex Woodfork and his beloved brothers. He looked forward to holiday gatherings hosted by his niece Shellana Morris in her Texas home. He was a great cook, enjoyed grilling, attending family reunions and Joseph left smiles and lasting memories with family and friends across many states including Alabama, Iowa, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas.

Deacon Dean is preceded in death by his parents, John S. Dean, Sr. and Eula B. Dean. Mother-in-Law Corine Bagby. Five sisters: Erma L. Dean, Beatrice Ingram, Julia E. Williams, Elizabeth V. Singleton, and Artharine A. Smith. Five brothers: Mack L. Smith, Sr., John S. Dean Jr., Roosevelt F. Dean, Leo C. Dean, and Randolph S. Dean.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Dorris and their children Blandon, and Joselyn of Dallas, TX. Brother: Wilbur O. Dean (Laura), Waterloo, IA. Sister-in-Laws: Beverla Wade, Flint, MI, Melissa Jackson, Desoto, TX, Laura Dean, and Joyce Dean, Waterloo, IA. God Daughter, Deatra Geter Childress, and God Son, Therion Ogilvie. Additionally, he leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other family, friends, and the neighborhood community he served and loved.