Carolyn (Songer) Dean

Carolyn Songer Dean was born December 7, 1940, in Washington, Indiana to Mary and William Alfred Songer. She is survived by her blessed and devoted husband Rev. Dr. David R. Dean of Springfield, TN; her sons Rev. Michael (Michelle) of Framingham, MA, Rev. Timothy (Julia) of Ithaca, NY; her younger brother Dr. Joseph (Gayle) Songer of Muncie, IN, sister-in-law Brenda Songer of Macon, GA; many beloved nieces and nephews. Her grandchildren are Lauren (Matt) Shively of Prairie Grove, AR, Nathanael (Abby) Dean of Chattanooga, TN and Ella Dean of Ithaca, NY. Her first great-grandchild Judah David Dean brought light to her eyes and joy to her spirit! 

She was preceded in death by her brother Jerry and his wife Jane Songer, sisters-in-law Sarah Dean and Pat and her husband Clif Underwood. Her middle son Stephen Dean was first in line to welcome her to heaven on Wednesday February 19, 2025.

Carolyn was a graduate of Belmont College. She taught elementary school in Mississippi, Kentucky, & Indiana and also served as a faithful and exemplary pastor‘s wife in Kentucky, Illinois, Massachusetts and New York. Carolyn loved music, served as organist, church secretary, and was a generous hostess to hundreds of guests in her home through the years. 

Carolyn was a vibrant follower of Christ, a Sunday School teacher and dedicated choir member at Orlinda Baptist Church. She had “the purest heart,” was conscientious, considerate of others, and busied her hands in service throughout her life. Her beauty and loving nature is unsurpassed.

She will be missed and forever loved by all who know her. Carolyn’s family is especially grateful to the generosity of many friends and caregivers whose compassion and strength ensured she could remain at home in her final months. 

Carolyn’s family will receive visitors at the Robertson County Funeral Home from 4-6pm on Tuesday February 25th. Her family will again receive visitors on Wednesday February 26th at the Orlinda Baptist Church beginning at 12pm., followed by funeral services beginning at 1pm, Burial will follow in the Williams Chapel Cemetery in Lamont, with Michael Dean, Timothy Dean, Nathanael Dean, Matthew Shively, Lauren Dean Shively, and Ella Dean serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to either of the following scholarships: 

Dean Family Endowed Scholarship

Belmont University

Office of Development, 11500

1900 Belmont Blvd.

Nashville, TN 37212

https://connect.belmont.edu/give/451197/#!/donation/checkout

(Use dropdown menu “What would you like your donation to support?” – Type “Dean” to pull up the scholarship name.)

Ray H. and Nelle Babb Dean Endowed Scholarship

cn.edu/giving 

Mailing address:

Carson-Newman University

Attn: Advancement Office

PO Box 557

Jefferson City, TN 37760

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