Rachel Jo Bowden Dean

Funeral service for Mrs. Rachel Jo Bowden Dean, 90, of Gilmer, Texas will be held Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church of Gilmer with Reverend Wayne Norvell and Reverend Marion Palmer officiating under the direction of Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer. She passed from this life on May 31, 2017.

Jo was born April 24, 1927 in Bettie, Texas, to Lenny Ray Bowden and Dura Sisson Bowden and was a lifelong resident of Upshur County.

Jo's life revolved around her faith, her family and her friends. She loved the Lord and was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Gilmer.

Her family was the love of her life. Jo married Charles Everett Dean of Simpsonville on December 12, 1945, a marriage that lasted 65 years until Everett's death June 6, 2011.

Jo and Everett's two children survive them, Eddie Joe Dean and wife Linda of Arlington, Texas, and Leanne Way and husband Stephen of Gilmer. Also surviving are six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren including Lesa and Mitch Malott, Mallory and Madison of Nacogdoches; Lacy and Thad Black, Callie and Brennan of Lindale, ; Ryan and Jennifer Dean, Miles, Caroline and Grant of Hurst; Amanda and Paul Hosni, Hudson and Ella of Wellington, Florida; Lindsey and Ryan Rice and Caden of Garland; Matthew Way of Buffalo.

Also surviving are her sister Virginia Bowden Dean and brother in law Bill Dean of Gilmer, sister-in-law Mary Jo Dean of Gilmer, brother-in-law Harry Thweatt of Amarillo and her Aunt Jerry Gaddis of Gilmer as well as many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Nothing thrilled Jo more than having a house full of kids, grandkids and great grandkids visit, always enjoying her gracious hospitality. She spent time praying for family and friends and read her Bible daily.

Jo's friends were also a joy to her. From the longtime "84" group, to her Rachel Sunday school class at First Baptist Church, to shopping/eating trips with friends, Jo loved nothing more than spending time with friends.

Serving as Pallbearers will be the Grandsons Ryan Dean, Paul Hosni, Matt Way, Mitch Malott, Thad Black, and Ryan Rice.

Honorary Pallbearers will include members of the Rachel Class of First Baptist Church, Gilmer.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a church or charity of your choice.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 5, 2017 at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer from 6pm to 8pm.
Please leave online condolences at www.croleyfh.net.