Marion Winston Dean of Oxford NC passed away on Monday January 9th 2023 at the age of 93. Born June 22nd, 1929 in the Grassy Creek community of Granville Co, she was the eldest of three children born to the late Charlie David & Helen Elliott Winston. A former graduate of Stovall High school she went on to also a graduate from Meredith College in 1951 with a Bachelors degree in Music and a Minor in Early Childhood Education.

Early on, before meeting her husband, Marion went on to teach elementary school with the Fort Bragg NC school system and Wake County public school system as well. In 1957 she married the love of her life Francis Dean of Oxford NC and began their life together. By 1958, they had moved to the tidewater area of Virginia where she briefly taught elementary school in Suffolk Virginia area before starting a family. By 1966 having both moved back to Raleigh NC, Marion and Francis became active members of the Hayes Barton United Methodist Church and the community. By 1972 she and Francis finally settled back down for the remainder of their lives in Granville County NC, were Marion became the lead teacher providing early childhood services through the Head Start Program in Oxford NC.

Marion was a long time dedicated member of the Oxford United Methodist Church, where she enjoyed attending the Vo Hammie Carr Sunday School class and being a member of the Carrie Fuller Circle. She was also an accomplished organist and pianist and served many years for the Oxford United Methodist Church Tiny Tunes Children's choir where she was affectionately called Granny Dean.

Along the way she was also an active member of her local Cosmopolitan Club and she thoroughly enjoyed her membership in the Oxford Book Club as well. Reading was her passion. From biographies to history and novels she enjoyed them all. But most of all she enjoyed reading and studying the Bible along with her friends and bible study groups. Her personal relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was unshakable.

Along with her beloved husband Francis she spent her spare time enjoying and supporting him and the family business. Marion together with Francis helped raise cattle on the family farm. She also loved flower gardening around the house, traveling and doting on her beloved grandchildren.

Marion was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Francis Dean. Also preceded in death was one brother David Winston, a grandson Landon Blackley. Four brother in-laws James, Maynard, Douglas & Phipps Dean and four sister in-laws. Flora McDonald Dean, Rachel Blackham Dean, Ramona Tucker Dean and Ruth Melton Dean

Surviving family includes her three children, Laura Dean Blackley and husband Lennie of Bullock NC, Sandra Dean Pruitt and husband Dale of Oxford and Charles Dean and wife Elizabeth of Oxford. Five devoted grandchildren Nash Blackley of Oxford, Carson Blackley Blake and husband Ezekiel Blake of Franklinton NC., Scott Pruitt of Oxford, Harper Pruitt of Oxford and Delaney Dean of Oxford. Also one great grand daughter, Mazie Lenore Blake of Franklinton NC

Also surviving is one brother, Julian Winston of South West Ranches FL., his wife Nancy Christie Winston and two sister in-laws, Eunice Royster Winston of Grassy Creek NC and Marie Orr Dean of Raleigh NC along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on January 22nd 2023 at 3:00pm by the graveside at Knott's Grove Cemetery, 3593 Knott's Grove Rd. Oxford NC

The family requested in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oxford United Methodist Church, PO Box 757 Oxford NC 27565.