Age 83, Rockingham County, Va.
Reba Mae Dean, 83, passed away peacefully in her Rockingham County home on Tuesday, June 4, surrounded by family.
Reba was born February 15, 1941, in Shenandoah, VA, to parents Howard and Ethel Shifflett who preceded her in death along with 11 beloved siblings.
In 1958, she married Vilver “Skip” Dean and spent 61 years with the love of her life before his passing in 2019.
A long-time member and leader of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church on East Point Road, Reba built many friendships throughout her years of service and during her 42-year career at Wrangler in Shenandoah that continued into her senior years.
A devout Christian who lived those ideals in practice, Reba was filled with, what she called, “a love in my heart for people in need of salvation… compassion for the hurting, the less fortunate, and a desire to listen to those who need to know someone cares.” She shared that love freely and openly throughout her community, and she found a special reward in providing young people with a place of counsel, caring, and hope. In addition to her selfless service, Reba also enjoyed working in the gardens around her home, which are surrounded by flowers cultivated with her care. A whiz at math, despite leaving school in her eighth year to work on the family farm, Reba was also a life-long learner who enjoyed reading. After retiring in 2000, she chose to return to her studies, securing a high school equivalency diploma at age 60.
Reba is survived by her daughter, Doris Dean Bryant, and husband, B. Randall Bryant; her granddaughter, Jamie Lynn Dean, and partner, Patrick Martins; grandson, Christopher Michael Bryant, and wife, Jennifer; great-grandchildren Colin Bryant, and wife, Hope; Hannah Bryant; and Seven Martins; and her sister, Irene Hensley.
A memorial service will be held at Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 12 p.m. Guests are invited to visit with the family prior to the service, beginning at 11 a.m.
Following the service, she will be laid to rest alongside her husband Skip in a special ceremony at Elk Run Cemetery.
A gathering to celebrate her life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, to which Reba donated throughout her life.
Arrangements are being handled by the Kyger Funeral Home in Elkton.
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