JOYCE DEAN

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Joyce Dean, December 7, 2025. Born February 14, 1943, to Perry Lee and Granville “Chappy” Barnett. With Joyce’s departure, we remember a life lived with immense love and a constant sense of caring.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, two stepfathers, James Cooper and Norman Smith, sister and brother-in-law Louise and Ben Miracle, special cousin Brad Smith, special grandson by choice, Scott Haley, and brother-in-law Gib Neal.

She was a member of Eagle’s Rock Baptist Church; she loved her church and her church family. One of Joyce’s greatest joys was being Food Service Coordinator of Bell County High School. She loved taking care of all the students and the wonderful group of ladies she worked with. Joyce was a loving wife, sister, aunt and mother figure to many. She loved family gatherings and cooking for all to enjoy.

Left to honor and cherish her memory, James Dean her husband of 59 years, stepchildren Jimmy Dean, Tonjia (Roger) Perry and Mike Dean, step-grandchildren Blake (Faith) Perry, Sam Perry, Chelsey Perry and Casey (Brian) Leifeld, step-great-grandchildren Caroline, Natalie, Andrew, Madeline, Adelaide, Ezekiel, June and Brooks, sister Doris Cooper, brother’s-in-law Leon (Shirley) Fuson and Gentry Fuson, nieces Nikkie (Josh) White, Lisa (David) Howard and Tricia (Henry) Brewer, great nieces and nephews Paige Sandifur (Steven Hutson), Stacy (Brandon) Harris, Benjamin Howard (Riley Cobb), Samuel Howard and Steve Brewer, special cousins Brenda (Jerry) Ellison, Jada Ellison and Sarah Shackelford, special kids by choice, Pam (Eddie) Haley and Janet (Jeff) Allen, as well as a host of many cousins, other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

Joyce touched the lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing her. Her selflessness, warmth and generous spirit will be remembered forever. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength and compassion that lives on in all of us.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff of Bluegrass Care Navigators for their care and compassion.

A Private Memorial Service will be held at Green Hills Memorial Gardens, Middlesboro, Kentucky.

Green Hills Funeral Home, Middlesboro, is honored to serve the Dean family.

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