Delbert Clay Dean

Delbert Clay Dean, 63, of Boyle, MS, passed away on Thursday, January 17, 2019, at Delta Regional Medical Center. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 21, 2019, at Ray Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at Ray Funeral Home with Bishop Greg Morrill officiating. Interment will be in North Cleveland Cemetery.
Delbert was born on September 23, 1955, to Felix and Virginia Dean in Cleveland, MS. On November 5, 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Lynn Scyrkels in the Provo, Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As devoted friends and cherished companions, he and Cheryl supported and complemented each other with a deep and unwavering love, eventually welcoming five children and 13 grandchildren.
Family was first and foremost in his life, and he excelled in the role of son, brother, uncle, husband, father, and grandfather. Naturally active, enthusiastic, adventurous, playful, and just a bit mischievous, he endeared himself in every way to his family members who loved him fiercely. His loving dedication for his wife Cheryl helped create a solid foundation for the children who revered, trusted, and cherished him. For his children, whom he loved deeply, he was a living example of an incredible work ethic, learning, sacrifice, and love of God and family. He was his children's confidant, mentor, counselor, and friend, but most of all, their loving father. Adored by his grandchildren who affectionately called him, "PawPaw," his love, time, and crazy antics won over the heart of each grandchild.
Delbert's faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ was evident in his kindness and charity for his fellowman. He easily related to those around him, quickly turning any stranger into a friend. His quick wit, sense of humor, infectious smile, and the twinkle in his eye helped to shine the light of Christ on those around him. As a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Greenville, he consistently served in various responsibilities where he helped, taught, and counseled those in need.
Delbert's perseverance, persistence, and industry translated into his life as a talented and successful farmer. The constant challenge of farming invigorated his mind as he sought better and more efficient methods to work the land and raise and harvest crops. He truly loved farming.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Lee Robinson.
Delbert is survived by his wife of 45 years, Cheryl Lynn Dean of Boyle; father, Felix Henry Dean (Rowena) of Shaw; children, Benjamin Dean (Kelsey) of Tucson, AZ, Joseph Dean (Megan) of Cleveland, Angela Bryant of Cleveland, Adam Dean (Andrea) of Cleveland, and Lauren McKinney (Andy) of Baton Rouge, LA; grandchildren, Samuel Dean, Isaac Dean, Lyra Dean, Jonah Dean, Miriam Dean, Hannah Dean, Seth Dean, Madelyn Bryant, Landon Bryant, Addyson Bryant, Anna Kate Bryant, Easton Dean, and Brooks Dean; and siblings; David Dean (Pat) of Montgomery, AL, Dennis Dean (Cody) of West, Dianne Athey (Joe) of Indianola, John Dean of Shreveport, LA, Scott Dean (Boba) of Boyle, Larry Dean (Cindy) of Richland, and Roger Dean (Kristina) of Cleveland.
Pallbearers will be Landon Bryant, Wayne Davis, Jim Hughes, Don Spencer, George Evans, and Donald Gant. Honorary pallbearers will be Samuel Dean, Isaac Dean, Jonah Dean, Easton Dean, and Seth Dean.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate/).

Visitation

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Monday, January 21, 2019
Ray Funeral Home 206 Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States

Celebration of Life Service

10:00 am - 11:00 am Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Ray Funeral Home 206 Bishop Road Cleveland, Mississippi, United States

Interment

North Cleveland Cemetery. N Bayou Cleveland, Mississippi, United States