04/29/2026
"I grew up as a smart, south Mississippi southern Baptist girl, eager to see life beyond what seemed like restrictions to healthy, overall growth and development. Graduating from Hattiesburg High and Mississippi College supported those narrow rules, but graduate school at Drew University in English literature in New Jersey, and Colgate-Rochester Divinity school in NY, in theology, broadened my educational and spiritual horizons significantly.
"My husband Kenneth and I were married in the chapel at Drew University because our best man was John Lewis, a noted black civil rights leader and good friend of my husband. My southern Baptist church in Hattiesburg, MS, would not allow us to integrate the church with our wedding.
"Marriage to Kenneth Dean, a Baptist minister dedicated to Civil Rights in the late 1960's and early 70's, made us an active couple, intent on the advancement of inclusive racial and religious convictions and making them a central part of our life's work. I continued to teach college English at Millsaps College in Jackson, MS and later Shelby State Community College, in Memphis, TN. Ken continued his courageous work in civil rights and as a valued minister devoted to racial justice and inclusive spirituality.
"A new, but blended career developed, as I became a Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice that continued to grow. Now my challenges included love of literature and writing, and commitment to diversity with race and culture.
"Over the many years, we lived in Jackson, MS, Memphis, TN, Rochester, NY, and Carrollton, GA. My dear husband, Kenneth Dean passed away in 2019, and I then moved to Atlanta, and I now live at Village Park Milton.
"I am now 82, and I look back on this adult life as an adventure, a commitment to the right values, a gratitude for all that I have been given through the brave acceptance of standing up for equality and justice.
"I continue to love writing and participating in all events that further justice, equal love and acceptance, and active work for the betterment of humankind."
- Mary J. Dean, D.Min.
(Pictured above is Mary's husband pictured with John Lewis and Robert Kennedy)
