Judge Samuel Dean

On the afternoon of June 22nd 2025, Mr. Judge Samuel Dean passed away peacefully at his home. Born in Belton, South Carolina, he was the beloved son of the late John Fred Dean and Florence Hunter Dean.

Mr. Dean was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was steadfast and dependable—always willing to help and support family, friends, and even strangers. In truth, he never met a stranger. He was known for his warm spirit, his quick wit, intellect, and a sense of humor that brought joy to all who knew him.

Mr. Dean gave his heart to Jesus at a young age and loved the Lord throughout his life.  He met the love of his life, the late Barbara L. Mattison Dean, as a teenager. Their friendship blossomed through high school and college, eventually leading to a marriage that lasted 57 years. Together, they raised four children in a home filled with love and laughter.

He received his education from Westside High School, Morris College, and South Carolina (SC) State College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education with a minor in Biology. He later obtained a Master of Education, also from SC State.

A dedicated educator for over 30 years, Mr. Dean began his career at Gant Elementary School in Honea Path, SC, and went on to teach physical education and health at Mims High School in McCormick, SC, where he also coached boys'; and girls'; basketball. He later joined Anderson School District 5, where he became a beloved teacher at Northside Elementary, Southwood Middle School, and Varennes Elementary. Even after retirement, his passion for teaching led him back to the classroom, educating adults through the district’s adult education program. He applied his gift for teaching, impacting students from ages 5 to 72. From 1980 to 1995, he served as director of the Anderson County Recreation Commission USDA Summer Food Program, working diligently to support children during the summer months.

Mr. Dean was a man of many talents and deep generosity. He was an accomplished singer and cook, a skill he learned from his mother and used to support himself while working in restaurants in Atlantic City, NJ, to pay for college. He loved working in his yard and tending his large vegetable garden, always eager to offer visitors something to eat. His home was a place of welcome and warmth.

For many years, he volunteered with the IRS-sponsored VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, preparing tax returns free of charge for members of the community. He and his wife also gave their time to Meals on Wheels, delivering food and kindness to those in need.

His hobbies included singing, playing music, cooking, gardening, baseball, reading and studying his bible. But of all his accomplishments, he considered his greatest success to
be his children.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara Mattison Dean; brothers Fred Henry Dean (Mary Lou), Rev. George Dean, and Thaddeus Dean; and sisters Leola Dean Robinson, and Evelyn Dean Smith.

He leaves to cherish his memory son, Kelvin Samuel Dean, daughters, Timilyn R. Dean, Shawn (Lawrence) Black, Elaine (Eric) Crafter; four grandchildren, Lauryn Makayla Black, Jaden Samuel Black, Garrett Dean Crafter, and Alex Charles Crafter; sisters, Elizabeth Dean Lewis and Mildred Dean Bradley; A host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, cherished friends, and countless former students.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2025 in the Ollie Robinson Brown Memorial Chapel of Marcus D. Brown Funeral Home.  The interment will follow at New Silver Brook Cemetery.  Public viewing will be held Saturday from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Meal on Wheels of Anderson, 105 S. Fant Street, Anderson, SC, in memory of Judge S. Dean.

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