JT Dean, age 78, of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away on Saturday, August, 15, 2020, following a brief illness.  JT was born in Holly springs, Mississippi to Mary Jane Howell and Sid Dean on August 30, 1941.  He completed the 6th grade at the elementary school in Mississippi.

JT worked as a Logger for many years until he later moved to Bloomington, Illinois, where he was employed by the Holiday Inn.  In the late 60’s he moved to Grand Rapids, where he began working at Blodgett Hospital. JT has always had a passion for music and in the late 60’s and early 70’s he pursued his love and became a Disk Jockey until his health began to fail.   In the early 2000 JT joined the Together in Faith Ministry and was also a member of the Masonic Temple and Victory Elks Lodge #1029.  JT loved to play golf.  He was a jokester and had a real love for life and laughter.

JT is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jane Lee; father, Sid Dean; brothers, Frank Lee, RC Lee, and Willie Miller; sister, Pearlene Harris; and daughter, Linda Faye Phillips, all of Grand Rapids, MI.

JT is survived by his children, Terrence (Christina) Dean, of Grand Rapids, MI, Terrell Donaldson of Dallas TX, Margaret Boyd Dean, of Chicago, IL, Barbara Ann Boyce of Senatobia, MS, and Jaytee Dean; 4 Step-Children, Gloria Kidd, Daniel Kidd, Air-Shad Kidd, and Eddie Jones all of Grand Rapids MI; 3 sisters, Corinne James and Bertha McElwain of Grand Rapids, MI and Lancile Thrower of Atlanta, Ga; 32 Grandchildren; 12 Great-Grandchildren; and a  host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and his ex-wife, Mary Dean.

The family of JT wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of The Caring Meadows, AFC, and Vi’s Garden AFC, Grace Hospice, Sara Care, My Choice Waver Program, The Oaks Assisted Living of Byron Center, Rev. and Mrs. Michael Townsend, Dusty, Joan Ryder, Amanda, Kristina, Joeanne, Wanda and many more over the years of whom name we may have forgotten.  Again thank to all of you!

A celebration of life for JT. Dean will be held on Thursday August 27, 2020, 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Garfield Park (Madison & Burton) in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Parking is available at the Madison Avenue Entrance or there is Street parking available.  The celebration will take place South of the Lodge in the Park.  The family would like to kindly ask that you remember to social distance and a mask is required.  Please bring a lawn chair if you wish to have a seat.

“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign JT’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.