Shirley Dean

Shirley Jackson Dean was born in Robeson County, NC on July 21, 937 to the late Duncan James and Leon Elizabeth Jackson. She spent the majority of her life in the St. Pauls area, graduating from St. Pauls High School in 1955. Her life revolved around her family, caring for her parents and brothers was always her driving force. She and her husband of 42 years, Carl W. Dean, spent 15 years at the Lake Waccamaw Boys and Girls Home caring for children prior to returning to their home in Holden Beach. Shirley loved her home at Holden Beach, along with the neighbors around that home. She often spoke of each as if she had spent a lifetime with them. She missed her home and friends as rheumatoid arthritis stole her ability to enjoy life because of pain and immobility. Watching Cardinals became a passion. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Duncan and Leon Jackson; brothers, Buddy, Bobby, David, Doug, Jimmy and Ronnie Jackson. She is survived by her husband, Carl W. Dean; daughters, Melody F. Torrey and her husband Billy, Beverly Davis and her husband Al, and Cathy Walters; grandson, Seth Torrey; sister, Juanita Beck and niece, Sandra Beck; and nieces, nephews and beloved cousins and their families.

Shirley loved her church and spent many active years working with the youth. St. Pauls United Methodist Church was always “her” church regardless of their home at the time. She was always a character, small in stature but large in personality!

A visitation will be held Saturday July 24, 2021 from 2:00 pm until 3:00pm at McNeill Mackie Funeral Home of St. Pauls, with a memorial service scheduled for 3:00 pm, with Pastor Kelly Barr officiating. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Pauls United Methodist Church, 519 N. Wilkinson Drive, St. Pauls, NC 28384 or a charity of one’s choice. The family is being served by McNeill Mackie Funeral Home of St. Pauls.