Nancy Park Dean

On the 9th day of February 2018, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend to many Nancy Chancellor Park Dean left this world after a long, hard, and bravely fought 18-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease and multiple associated and unrelated complications. Nancy was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, daughter of Ethel and Harwood Chancellor Park. She grew up with two sisters, Diana Dougherty and Linda Trail, as well as a brother, George Harwood Park. On September 29, 1973, she married her lifelong companion, William Hughes Dean. The two lived in the same historic home in St. Albans, West Virginia, for the rest of her life. On October 9, 1977, she gave birth to their one and only child, William Park Dean. She poured everything into his care and upbringing and, to this day, he considers her guidance, wisdom, kindness, and lessons he learned from her the best parts of who he has become. All who knew Nancy witnessed a gentle soul who unfailingly concerned herself with the welfare and happiness of those around her, always over her own needs and desires. This selfless character was obvious in her struggle with the progressively degenerative disease of Parkinson’s, during which she never complained, became angry, or took self-pity. Instead she stoically accepted her condition and carried on, optimistically searching for and welcoming any type of treatment that would bolster her chances of living longer or seeing a cure to such an undeserving disease. Endowed with her altruistic nature, it is no surprise that Nancy chose a path that led to the difficult and often ill-rewarded life of a career in elementary education. After attaining a master’s degree she began teaching and helped shape the young minds of hundreds of students during her nearly 30 year career in elementary education. It was not uncommon for family to meet a former student, even decades later, who would fondly remember her as one of their favorite and most inspiring teachers. With the support of her friends and family and pride of her peers in education, she was given a retirement party hosted by the loving and admiring students in her last class in 2000. On October 19, 2005, Nancy became a grandmother to William Harrison Dean and the two formed a beautiful bond that still endures. On June 8, 2012, at the families’ favorite vacation spot, the Outer Banks, Nancy witnessed the marriage of her son to Suzi Tyler-Dean. She gained not only a daughter-in-law, but also twin step-grandchildren, Dallas James Tyler and Harley James Tyler. On July 10, 2012, she gained a granddaughter, Juliet Tyler Dean. Nancy received and experienced such joy in helping care for these grandchildren. Simply watching them play and grow rewarded her with a new happiness and sense of completed purpose in her life’s work. Nancy was put here on Earth to help shape and develop the minds, hearts, and character of young people and all others around her. She did this many times over with her family, friends, and students. For these invaluable gifts she gave every day of her life, she will leave a lasting influence and live on in all the lives she touched and helped shape for the better. Nancy Park Dean will live forever in our hearts and in the good deeds we do. She is lovingly remembered and survived by her husband, son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, sister Diana (Chuck) Dougherty, brother-in-law Sebert Trail, sister-in-law Elizabeth Park, nieces and nephews, and many devoted friends. On Saturday, February 17, 2018, from 3:00 to 6:00 p,m., a remembrance service, celebrating the life of Nancy, will be held at the St. Albans Historical Society, next to the old train station at 404 4th Avenue in St. Albans, West Virginia. Special thanks to Ellen Mills Pauley for making these arrangements. Anyone and everyone is invited to come and encouraged to bring pictures and stories to warmly commemorate Nancy’s exemplary life. In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Albans Historical Society (of which Nancy and her husband have been involved members) would be greatly appreciated.

Nancy Park Dean

February 9, 2018