Madie Bell Dean

We regretfully announce the passing of Mrs. Madie Bell Dean . Please send prayers of healing, continued support, strength and love for the family during this difficult time and in the future to come.

On behalf of The Katrina S. Bates Funeral Home, we would like to thank the Dean family for entrusting us with your loved one.

Life’s Reflections

Madie Bell Dean was born in Iuka, Mississippi, on February 2, 1935, to the late Calvin Sr. and Annie Hodges. Madie was affectionately known as “Mom” to her family and friends. She married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, the late Alvando Dean Sr., on September 14, 1957. To this union, three children were born: Alvando Dean Jr., Gwendolyn Dean-Green, and the late Arlene Dean-Williams.

Madie was a homemaker, self-taught seamstress, and excellent cook. She was a mother not only to her three children, but also to countless nieces, nephews, and neighborhood and church children. Madie loved basketball. She was a powerful point guard who also played great defense. Along with her late husband, “Big Al,” who was a power forward, they passed their love and talent for basketball down to their children, grandchildren, and great-grandson.

Madie was baptized into Christ, along with her three children, on September 29, 1974, at Harvey Church of Christ in Harvey, Illinois. She remained an active and faithful member of Lansing Church of Christ until her health began to fail. She worshipped virtually on Sundays and participated in Sunday School, Wednesday Night Bible Class, the Ladies Monthly Book Club, and the Ladies Monday Prayer Circle, where she heard her last prayer before departing this life. 

Madie took her roles as a Christian, wife, mother, and caretaker very seriously. This was evident in the love she showed to everyone and the warm kisses she so freely gave within her community and family especially to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandsons, who eagerly came to hug her, share meals, play, and learn from her wisdom and love.

Madie had a gentle and quiet spirit. If you came in contact with her, you could not help but love her. She lived in Markham, Illinois, for over 60 years and opened her home to friends and loved ones who had nowhere to call home.

Madie departed this life on May 11, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter; parents; sister, Annie Mae Brown; brothers, James Hodges, Millard “Paul” Hodges, William Hodges Sr., and Herbert Washington; niece/daughter, Shirley Dean; and nephew/son, William Shumpert.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Gwendolyn Dean-Green, and son, Alvando (Lisa) Dean Jr.; son-in-law, Lester Williams; granddaughters, Lekesha Dean, Baneika (Larry) Miller, Jovan (James) Bryan, and Zabrina (Billy Jermale) Evans; grandson, Corey Jackson; great-grandsons, Jayden Holeyfield and Terrance Miller; niece/daughter, Myriam (Brian) Taylor; nephews/sons, Norman Dean, Dr. Tuan Dean, and Mark (Rachel) Dean; brother, Calvin (Juanita) Hodges Jr.; sister, Eula Garrett; sister-in-love, Inize Dean-Cox; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Tribute

Our Matriarch, affectionately called “Mom” by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, was the example of a Proverbs 31 woman. Although she is no longer physically here with us, she will always be in our hearts. Her spirit is in every sunrise, smile, act of kindness, and demonstration of genuine love. Mom had a unique way of making everyone feel special; her kindness left a mark on everyone she met. You would always leave her presence with kisses and an embraced hug.

Mom was not just our mother; she was our guide, confidant, doctor, lawyer, financial advisor, therapist, and our biggest cheerleader. Her home was the foundation of our family. Although her absence leaves a huge hole in our hearts, Mom’s legacy of love, strength, and generosity will continue to inspire us every day. 

We will carry Mom’s life lessons, her good advice, teaching us what “thus saith the Lord”, and her Christian examples of humility, gentleness, and gratitude with us always. We are so grateful and thankful for the gift of being her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren. And from all who have had the honor of being a part of her life as family, friends, and a sister in Christ share in this gratitude as well.

We love, miss, and will always cherish you.

Love,

The Family of Madie B. Dean

Our Gratitude

We appreciate all your love, acts of kindness, and all you have done to console our hearts. Your prayers, visits, gifts, thoughtfulness, and calls have given us strength during this difficult time. Your love was felt and appreciated. We will always remember you.

The Dean Family

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