Ina Marie Dean

Ina M. Dean

Evans, GA – Ina Marie Dean, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and pillar of faith in her community, passed away peacefully at her home on July 12, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Her faith, joy, infectious laughter, and dedication to serving others were an inspiration to all who knew her.

Born on July 30, 1948, in Washington D.C. to the late Douglas Champ, Sr., and Adelaide Champ-Vanburen, Ina was raised by her beloved Godmother, the late Ina F. Stewart. Ina was the oldest of four siblings, Douglas Champ, Jr., Victoria “Lynn” Champ, the late David Champ, and Valerie Jackson.

Ina attended the all-girls Sacred Heart Academy graduating in 1966. Afterward, she attended Howard University where she studied to be a social worker. After her studies, she worked as a sales representative for Ma Bell (AT&T), prior to her future role as a full-time homemaker.

On August 23, 1969, Ina married the love of her life, Thomas Emanuel Dean. They were blessed with three children, Sean, Andre’ and Nicole. Thomas’ Naval career took their growing family to numerous destinations from Washington, D.C., to Virginia Beach, VA, to Great Lakes, Il, and Albuquerque, NM. Then, Thomas’ civilian work brought the family to Evans, GA. As a homemaker, Ina was a devoted, selfless, and dedicated wife and mother who showered her family with the best that life had to offer. She instilled in them a love of God and family, encouraged them to pursue their dreams, and stressed the importance of remaining grounded in the Lord amid all of life’s successes and accomplishments. Affectionately, known as the “short-little lady” by her children, Ina’s love and compassion stood tall as she created a joyful home filled with laughter, warmth, and love.

Ina's dedication and service extended far beyond her family life. Ina’s life was filled with God’s presence, and she maintained devoted memberships in churches wherever she lived. Ina dedicated her life to serving God and her community, often leading prayer groups, organizing ministering events, and offering both a helping hand and a listening ear to those in need. Active in Women’s Aglow/Aglow International since the late 1970s, Ina held various offices and leadership positions within this “Network of Caring Women” in Christ, including president of Aglow in New Mexico, president of the Augusta Day Aglow and president of the Northeast Area Aglow. Through her work with Aglow International, Ina shared the Love of Christ with many.

Throughout her life, Ina was known for her enduring friendships and her joyful disposition. She lived each day by the tenets of her favorite scripture, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:24). Ina was a source of wisdom and comfort to her husband, children, grandchild, and countless others she adopted into her heart over the years. Ina will be remembered for her infectious laugh and smile, her warm hugs, and her ability to listen without judgment. She had a way of making everyone feel loved, accepted, and important. Ina's life is a testament to the power of faith, the importance of kindness, and the value of community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit and legacy live on in the countless lives she touched.

Left to treasure this legacy of precious memories are her beloved husband of fifty-three years: Thomas Dean; beloved children: Sean Dean, Andre (Joi) Dean, and Nicole (Kelvin) Ward; her grandchild: Gabrielle Dean; mother: Adelaide Champ-Vanburen; sisters: Victoria “Lynn” Champ, Valerie (Kenneth) Jackson; brother: Douglas Champ, Jr.; in-laws: Patrick Dean, James (Shirley) Dean, Joseph Dean, Mary “Dean” Hunter, Cosi Dean, Tonii Dean; a host of nieces and nephews: Reggie, Darryl, Karentha, Shayla, George, Walter, Charles, Joshua, Benedict, Kendra, Micah, Scott, Eric, Maurice, Traci, Safiya, Rashidi, Kofi, Kamilya; several “adopted-in-love” children: Renee, Scot, Dion; her BFF: Big Little; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A service to celebrate Ina’s life and faith will be held Friday, July 21, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at Whole Life Ministries with Rev. Sandra Kennedy officiating. Interment will follow in Westover Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Ina’s memory ( https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/campaign/Memorial-Fund-for-Ina-Marie-Dean ).

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com