Joanne P. Dean

Joanne P. Dean, 83, beloved wife of Dr. J. Thomas (Tommy) Dean of Easley, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at home surrounded by her family.

Born in Pittsfield, MA, she was the daughter of the late Frank R. and Mary (Russo) Pizzuto. She was an energetic and adventurous young lady who loved to learn and try new things. Her father’s military career relocated her family to Columbia, South Carolina before eventually settling in Augusta, Georgia. A bright and engaging young woman, Joanne met her future husband, Tommy, while serving as a stewardess for Southern Airlines based out of Atlanta. The two became inseparable and married in 1963. Previously, she had worked at a local radio station in Georgia for their advertising department.

The Dean Family moved from Greenville to Easley in 1973. Joanne’s creativity and determination allowed her to start several unique businesses in South Carolina including a sitter’s registry for respite care and a balloon bouquet service. She always had a passion for interior design and helped many with decorating their businesses and homes.

Underneath the many layers of talent beat the heart of a dedicated wife and mother. Joanne was a successful homemaker and mother of five who took enormous pride in her home and raising her family. She made her home a place of peace and comfort and was a gracious host for family gatherings and holidays. She was a proud and affectionate Mimi who loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchild.

During her leisure time Joanne was known for visiting antique stores and finding creative ways to reinvent the aesthetics of any space. One of her greatest joys was traveling, a passion she and Tommy shared throughout their marriage. The couple took many wonderful trips to beautiful places around the world and shared a lifetime of special moments.

She was a faithful communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Greenville. Joanne was caring and thoughtful always remembering her family and friends in her daily prayers.

Joanne is survived by her husband of 58 years, Tommy and five children and their spouses, Lisa (Dell) Porter, Shannon (Jamie) Gilbert, Jennifer (Chris) Lockhart, Tommy Dean, IV, Amanda (Ben) Wakely; ten adored grandchildren, Sarah (Zach) Wardlaw and Will Porter, Tyler Dean, Jacob, Abigail, and Olivia Lockhart, Emily and Anna Gilbert, Josie and Sophia Wakely; a great grandchild Emma Kate Wardlaw. She also leaves five sisters and one brother: Francie Christian Anderson, Dr. Janelle Pizzuto McDaniel, Linda Soldato Holloway, Mary Soldato Harrington, Betty Soldato Filkins, William Soldato and many nieces and nephews.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mary Pizzuto; her biological father, Olindo Soldato; and a brother, Lee Soldato.

Her family wishes to thank the kind and compassionate caregivers who assisted Joanne in her final months, with a special heartfelt gratitude to Mariah Sikes.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 309 Gower St., Greenville. Burial will follow in Robinson Memorial Gardens, Easley.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those attending Joanne’s visitation to please bring nonperishable food items to benefit the St. Anthony of Padua Food Pantry or make monetary donations to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.

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