Dr. Willie B. Dean, a trailblazing leader, devoted Christian and husband of former MSCS Superintendent Carolyn Johnson-Dean, died August 22, 2024, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service and faith.
Born on March 15, 1951, in Potts Camp, Mississippi, he was the second of four children to Eddie Dean Sr. and Mattie Brown Dean. Willie was deeply influenced by his family’s strong values of hard work, education, and faith.
Dr. Dean broke barriers as the first Black president/CEO of the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan YMCA and later served as a national field executive, overseeing 700 YMCAs across 18 states. His leadership was instrumental in transforming the YMCA into a beacon of hope for urban communities across the nation.
Dr. Dean’s life was marked by resilience. He faced numerous challenges, including health issues, discrimination, and the untimely death of his first wife, Pamela Williamson-Dean. Despite these hardships, he remained a devoted father to his three sons—Cedric, Jarrod, and Matthew—who admired his strength and dedication.
In 2017, Dr. Dean experienced what he described as a miraculous reconnection with Dr. Carol Johnson-Dean, a former MSCS Superintendent, at a church service in Minneapolis. They married in 2018, sharing a deep love for family, education, and faith.
Dr. Dean continued to serve his community, writing a memoir titled “Overcoming: How Faith, Family, and Friends Helped One Black Man Beat the Odds,” which chronicled his life’s challenges and triumphs.
In addition to his work with the YMCA, Dr. Dean served as general manager of a nonprofit radio station and executive director of YouthCARE in the Twin Cities. He was also an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and various Rotary and Kiwanis clubs.
Dr. Dean enjoyed a variety of hobbies in his retirement, including basketball, TaeKwonDo, photography, and music. He cherished his time with Carol, planning adventures and attending reunions. His love for life and faith remained strong until the end.
Dr. Dean is survived by his beloved wife Carol, his sons Cedric (Melissa), Jarrod, and Matthew (Kristine), his brother Joenathan, and his grandchildren. He is also remembered by his stepchildren and step-grandchildren, as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Christine, and brother Eddie Jr.
A celebration of Dean’s life will be held with a visitation on Friday, August 30, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Rawls Funeral Home in South Fulton, Tennessee. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, August 31, at 11:00 AM at the same location. Interment will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Newbern, Tennessee. The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in honoring Dr. Dean’s legacy and to share memories during these services.
For further details, please visit the full obituary on the Rawls Funeral Homes website.
