Jonnie May Dean

Jonnie May Dean was born in Alcoa, Tennessee, on April 9, 1948, at Blount Memorial Hospital and died on January 22, 2021. Preceded in death by parents, James Roy Dean Sr., Alberta Carter, and her grandparents.

Jonnie graduated from Charles M. Hall High School in Alcoa. She went on to receive her associates degree from Pellissippi State Community College where she also worked as a secretary, assisted many students, and assisted the Dean of Students, Annabel Agee. The other jobs that Jonnnie held were at Harrison Construction Company, Blount County Rescue Squad as a dispatcher, and at Head Start as a secretary.

Achievements include giving birth to her daughter De’Mari Flowers and being a mother figure to her granddaughter T. Flowers. She has also won 1st place in the Miss Wheelchair Tennessee pageant in Memphis and also visited Graceland. Never limited by her disability, Jonnie rode a motorcycle, steered a boat from the Louisville dock, flew in a helicopter, and purchased and drove her own car without the help of hand controls. A seasoned traveler, Jonnie visited many states including New York, Georgia, Kentucky, and Mississippi. As a well-rounded individual, her hobbies included listening to music, watching Hallmark movies, crocheting, puzzles, and rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers. She was an excellent cook and baker. Working with and growing flowers was a trait passed down from her mother, Alberta Dean.

Jonnie was a member of Rest Haven Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and led the song “Jesus is the Answer” by Andrae Crouch. Even though she was unable to attend the services, the church could count on her to provide special items for any dinners held. Her favorite memories are of her daughter and grand-daughter and how she only wanted the best for them.

Jonnie leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted daughter, De’Mari and grand-daughter, T. Flowers, brother James R. Dean Jr., sister/caretaker Patricia Ann Dean, nieces DeAndra Blake, Traci R. Scudder, Yolanda Lollis, Phylicia Washington, nephews Trey Dean and Patrick Dean, and a host of family and friends. Special devoted family, Tanya Martin, Brian Swann, Calvin Swann, and Kay Tate. Special devoted friends, Lucille Brown, Theresa and Marvin Crawford, Ms. Ophelia Russell, Ms. Willie Mae Hannum, Jimmie and Shari Mcrae, and Larry Little.

Funeral service will be held Friday January 29, 2021 at Foothills Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Richard Turney officiating. Interment to follow at Sherwood Garden, Alcoa. The body may be viewed Thursday   12 noon to 7:00 p.m. at Foothills Funeral Home.www.foothillsfh.com