Jane Elizabeth Dean

Jane Elizabeth (Holland) Dean of Iuka, Mississippi, age 80, a woman of grace and kindness, book lover, music & art teacher, faithful witness, prayer partner, travel & camping enthusiast, beloved mother and grandmother, passed peacefully on November 10, 2024, now free from earthly pain and dancing with the angels. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Jane graduated from Kingsbury High School and went on to touch countless lives through her passion for music and art, teaching hundreds of students to play piano and paint. Her love for art knew no bounds, embracing all forms of creative expression. She was a founding member of the Tishomingo County Fine Arts Guild and one of the founders of Iuka's Heritage Day Celebration, sharing her diverse artistic passions with her community.

A moment of serendipity at a roller rink, when a handsome young farm boy spilled his Coke in her lap, led to a chance encounter that would change both their lives forever. That sweet accident blossomed into a beautiful love story and lifelong romance that defined their journey together. Her warm and welcoming spirit knew no strangers, and she made friends wherever she went, embracing people from all walks of life.

As the cornerstone of her family, Jane's unwavering love and strength served as the foundation upon which generations built their lives. She taught her children and grandchildren not just through words, but through her daily example of unconditional love, steadfast faith, and genuine compassion for others. Her ability to love deeply and freely became a legacy that her family carries forward, showing them how to open their hearts to others just as she always did.

Music was the language of Jane's soul, and she filled every space with song, her hands dancing across piano keys as her lyrical voice lifted hearts. She had a special gift for teaching piano using the old-timey chord method, a technique that brought deeper emotion and feeling to gospel music. Her students learned not just to play notes, but to express their faith through music with genuine heart and spirit. She found deep strength in her faith, often expressing it through beloved hymns like "Through It All," spreading joy and comfort to those around her.

For years, she dedicated herself to enriching the lives of senior citizens through her work with the day program at Tishomingo State Park, where she not only provided transportation but also brought her characteristic warmth and joy to each person she served.

Jane was preceded in death by her loving husband Jackie Wayne Dean; her parents William Alfred Holland and Noma Mae Holland; her brother Larry Holland; and her sister Joan (Holland) Barnes.

She is survived by her children: Sabrina June (Dean) Carr, Lorrie Nanette (Dean) Brown, Diava Jane Dean Wilkins Carpenter, and Marq Wayne Dean; her grandchildren: Addy, Hannah, Payton, Millicent, Jacob, Greyson, Malachi, Griffin, and Waverly; and nine great-grandchildren, who all carry forward her lessons of love, faith, and family.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the devoted staff at MS Care Center of Alcorn County, who became like a second family to Jane in her final years. Their compassionate care and unwavering support brought comfort and joy to her days.
For eight decades, Jane spread love, joy, and beauty to all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her music, art, and boundless love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her generous spirit, artistic soul, and the melodies that will continue to echo in our hearts. Through her example, she taught us all that love is not just a feeling, but a daily choice to see the best in others and to share the light within.

Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Cutshall Funeral Home Chapel in Iuka. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. An online guestbook may be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com .