Shannon Kelly Smith Dean

She was born in Gaston County, daughter of James P. and Myra Wood Smith.

Shannon was a graduate of North Gaston High School and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was a longtime employee of Key Benefits of Fort Mill. She was a member of Venture Baptist Church, Dallas.

Shannon was an avid animal lover and a friend to all and was a wonderful daughter and an unbelievable mother. She was active in her daughters’ schools.

Shannon is survived by her two daughters, Karson McKenna Dean and Kensley Lauren Dean of the home; her parents, James P. and Myra Wood Smith of Dallas; paternal grandmother, Billie Digh Smith of Dallas; father of her children, William Ray Dean Jr. of Clover.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Friday at Carothers Funeral Home, Gastonia with the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. Friday in the Colonial Chapel of Carothers Funeral Home with Brenda White officiating.

Interment will follow at Gaston Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Tri-County Animal Rescue, P. O. Box 483, Alexis, N. C. 28006 or Pioneer Girl Scouts Council, 250 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia, NC 28054.

Online condolences may be made at: www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.

Carothers Funeral Home, Gastonia is serving the Dean and Smith family.