Nancy Dean

Nancy Claire Crossley Dean flew from this life and into the arms of Jesus on May 12, 2023. She was at home in Forest Brook, in Knoxville, Tennessee, surrounded by her beloved family. Her life was marked by grace, love, and beauty - all holy gifts she received and returned until her last breath. She was born March 9, 1934, to W. James Crossley and Elva Rolland Crossley in Cleveland, Ohio. She was a stunning creation, blessed with a multitude of gifts and adored from start to finish. When she was three, her family moved to Knoxville and she was forever thankful! It would be her home for the rest of her life. Nancy was an exceptional student, pianist, artist, poet, seamstress, gardener, and lifelong learner. She used her talents to glorify God and bring joy to others, but found her greatest satisfaction in being the kind of mother her daughters wanted to emulate and her sons wanted to marry. She was an ADPi at the University of Tennessee and a member of the Knoxville Garden Club. Her gardens were works of art and she had a voice like an angel. Her devotion to the Vols was surpassed only by her delight in the activities, performances and athletic events of her offspring. In the 10th grade at Knoxville High School, she was swept off her feet by that cute Scott W. Dean, Jr., who married her as quickly as he could. Together they made the happiest of homes for their five children. She and Scott were founding members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in 1965. She was Westminster’s first pianist, as well as a deacon, elder, Sunday School teacher, choir member, flower arranger and its last living founder. Her church was her passion and its members were among her dearest friends. Their kindness, care and sweet devotion were breathtaking. Nancy was a treasured daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband Scott, her son Carter, her parents Jimmy and Mimi, and her brothers Bud and Bob. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Amy and Robb Wilson, Karen and Richard Smith, Wynn and Katie Dean, Marianne and John Littel; her grandchildren, Thomas Wilson, Claire Wilson, Meredith and Mike Shafer, Alex Smith, Katherine Littel, Carter Littel, Clay Littel, Carter Dean, and Scotty Dean; and her great-grandchildren, Haili and Lacy Shafer, each uniquely loved and encouraged by her. Her family is grateful for the many angels who helped in her care these past few weeks, especially her Westminster friends, Julie Bruinooge and the team at UT Hospice. A Celebration of Nancy’s Life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6500 Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919, on Saturday, May 20 at 5:00 p.m. Her family will greet friends afterwards at the church. If you’re so inclined, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice.

Tributes

Nancy Dean

March 9, 1934 - May 12, 2023