Mary Margaret "Happy" Dean

PEORIA - Mary Margaret ”Happy” Dean, 84, of Peoria, passed away Tuesday night June 13, 2017 at Lutheran Hillside Village. Mary was born to Kenneth and Margaret (Johnson) Chambers on Aug. 28, 1932 in Roswell, NM. Mary was a member of First Baptist Church in Peoria; she was also part of the Symphony Guild and the Illinois Historical Society.

Mary is survived by her sons Chris (Cathy) Gross of Lexington, SC, Scott (Lea Ann) Gross of Alpharetta, GA; Stepson Bill (Martha) Dean, David Dean; Stepdaughters Gail (Fred) Weghorst, Beverly (Scott) Templeton, and Diane (Jerry) Lechner; Grandchildren Erin Lynn, Ryan Chambers, Connor Michael, Emily, Murray, Natalie, Monica, Carrie, Brett, Mathew, Jeremy, and one great grandchild Clara Lynn. She was preceded in death by her Parents, her husband Ed and husband Kelly from her first marriage.

A visitation will be held Sunday June 18, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Peoria going from 3 to 5 pm. A funeral service will follow starting at 5 pm officiated by Rev. Chriswell. Burial will be held at Camp Butler in Springfield, IL on Tuesday June 20, 2017 starting at 11 am. Cremation rites have been entrusted with Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Baptist Church. For more information please visit www.DavisonFulton.Com

Mary, “Happy” Dean was born in Roswell, New Mexico on August 28, 1932. Her parents moved from New Mexico to Texas where her father joined her grandfather in the oil industry. Because of illness Happy’s mother had to live in Oklahoma with her father’s parents until she was well. In the meantime as a child of four Happy went to live with her aunt Ruth Bateman in Oklahoma. When her mother was well her father came back to Oklahoma to work in the oil industry and from there they went to Illinois in 1940 during the oil boom.

Happy went to Oakland City University graduating with a BS degree. She did graduate study at Indiana State University, Eastern Illinois University, Illinois State University, and Bradley University.

Happy worked professionally in several different fields. She worked as an insurance agent and at one time she spoke to an audience of 2000 people for a Prudential Insurance Company convention in Florida and received a standing ovation at the conclusion of the lecture. She also worked as a real estate agent and owned and operated a custom drapery and upholstery store in Grayville, Illinois.

In 1951 Happy married Kelly Gross. They had two sons, Chris born in 1955, and Scott born in 1967. Happy has three grandchildren, Erin Gross Snelting, Ryan Gross, and Connor Gross.

Happy always had a tremendous interest in education. She taught at Grayville High School for 6 years and at Shelbyville High School for 17 years. At both schools she taught English and also directed all of the dramatic and musical productions. Those productions were always eagerly awaited events for both communities. Happy taught an adult education class in drama for Lakeland College. She hosted two regional History Fairs for state at Shelbyville High School. In 1988 she received Teacher of the Year Award from the Illinois State Historical Preservation Agency.

Happy was very active in the civic affairs of both Grayville and Shelbyville. She served as chair of the Chautauqua Auditorium Commission for the city of Shelbyville. She was vice-chair for both the bicentennial and sesquicentennial commissions for the city of Shelbyville. She served as vice-chairperson of the Shelby County Corporate Mental Health Board for 6 years.

An additional great interest in Happy’s life has been the church. In her church in Grayville she served as youth director for 12 years, served as Dean of Women and art instructor at Oil Belt Christian Service camp. She was guest vocalist on “Living Way” television program in Evansville, Indiana. While in Grayville she helped in the establishment of two new churches.

In Shelbyville she was one of the founding members of the Shelby Christian Church. She was the secretary there for several years, taught Sunday School, and had a puppet ministry with the young people of the church.

After retiring from teaching she began a new career in real estate, moved to Peoria and worked for Jim Maloof Realtor. In Peoria Happy met the man who was to become her second husband, Ed Dean. Together they joined the First Baptist Church of Peoria. She was an active member of the choir at First Baptist and directed many drama presentations for the church. A great joy in Happy’s life was when Ed decided to be baptized by immersion and become a member of the church. Ed passed away in 2000.

As in her previous locations Happy has been very active in community affairs in Peoria. She is a past president of the Peoria Symphony Guild. For over 20 years she served actively on the board of the Illinois State Historical Society. Happy also jenjoyed singing in the German American Choir.

Happy travelled extensively in this country and abroad. She took great pleasure in her friends, her home and her computer Her constant companion was her little Bichon Frise, Angel, who brought tremendous joy into her life. Happy always said that Angel was a very special dog who always seemed to understand everything she said. Happy lived up to her name by bringing much happiness to her countless friends who will miss her greatly.