Mattie Bell (Honey) McKee Dean was born July 16, 1931 to the late Willis and Emma Dera McKee.  

Honey was educated in the Georgia School System.  At an early age she joined Trinity CME Church in Durand, Georgia.  

Honey leaves to cherish her memory, husband Rufus Dean of sixty-five years; eight children, Ms. Mary K. Dean, Mr. Nathaniel Dean (Ann), Ms. Minnie L. Dean (Johnny), Mr. Harvey A. Dean (Yvonne), Mrs. Gloria a. Milner (Allen), Ms Angelia F. Hardy, Mr. Darron D. Dean (Ingrid), Ms. Sharon N. Dean; God daughter, Judy Warner; twenty-nine grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; four sisters, Ms. Tommie McCamery, Mrs. Corene Blont (Willie), Ms. Christene Stinson, Mrs. Wylene Sherman (Slyvester); one brother, Minister Homer McKee (Mary).  Honey was preceded in death by three sisters, Mrs. Lucinda Dean, Ms. Eugina McKee, Mrs. Lillian Cobbs; and two brothers, Mr. Ulyess McKee (Majorie) and Willis McKee.  

Honey was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend.  One who always put the interests of her family first, who saw to it that her children and grandchildren were given the best she could provide in loving care, spiritual nourishment, and material comforts.  The example she lived day by day will ever be a goal for her family to strive to reach.  She was faithful to her church and saw to it that the family attended with her.  

The memories we have of Honey will always be dear to our hearts.  We should not mourn her passing, but should rejoice for our departed love one has gone, we know, to a home more beautiful than any we have ever known.  She gave her all for Him, and for the family He gave to her.  Now she has joined Him in the world beyond our vision, her new home, Heaven.  

We express concern and sympathy for the children left without a mother, the husband left without a wife, and beg them to turn their hearts toward God who does all things well, and will be a mother to the motherless, and will comfort all who mourn.