Dean, Dr. Minnie Lee

Dr. Minnie Lee Dean, 75, of Radford, died on Sunday, July 1, 2012, at her home. Minnie was born on December 19, 1936, the daughter of Minnie Yates Dean and Dr. Howard Lee Dean, both deceased. She had three siblings, Dr. Howard Yates Dean, deceased, and Margaret Anne Sutton, of Fairview, N.C., and Dr. Richard H. Dean, of Winston-Salem, N.C. She is also survived by 11 nieces and nephews. Minnie retired to her native town of Radford in 1994 after an outstanding career in education both as a teacher and principal of schools in Alexandria, Va., and on Long Island, N.Y. Her commitment to the Radford Community during her retirement is both extensive and impressive. She served with the New River Valley Chapter of Habitat for Humanities, including a period as its Interim Director; was elected to the Radford City School Board and served as its Chair for two years; served as Chair of the Heritage Foundation and Director of the Glencoe Museum; led the effort to save and rehabilitate Arnheim, the ancestral home of Dr. John Blair Radford-for whom Radford is named; served as Chair of the Education Committee of the Radford Chamber of Commerce and was recognized by the Radford City Council on April 11, 2011, for her outstanding leadership in service to the community and received an honorary Key to the City on that occasion. Typical of Minnie, she also served others spiritually in her church, Grace Episcopal, by being elected to its governing body and chairing its Mission and Parish Life committees throughout her retirement. Minnie’s greatest commitment of time and energy in support of the community was her devotion to the success of the Radford Clothing Bank where she served over 1,500 hours annually as its volunteer coordinator for over 16 years during which time it grew to serve over 2,700 patrons annually. Minnie will be missed by the entirety of her extended family and the countless lives that she has touched over her lifetime; but her legacy of service to others, her kindness and her impact on our community will remain with all. A Memorial Service in her honor will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at Grace Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Episcopal Church and/or to the Radford Clothing Bank in her honor. Arrangements by DeVilbiss Funeral Home, Radford, Va., 540-639-2422.