Gloria Jeanette Ricks Dean, 77, of Owensboro passed away January 31, 2025, under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio on September 2, 1947, to the late Rev. Claudius Nathaniel Ricks II and Annie Mae Carley Ricks.
A devoted mother, granny, auntie Glo, sister, loving friend, and an unwavering follower of Christ, Gloria was a woman whose presence brightened the lives of everyone she met. Gloria had a deep passion for life, enjoying the simple pleasures of traveling, shopping, and discovering new adventures. A woman with a heart of gold, Gloria was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Her love for others was matched only by her love for Jesus, whom she followed with unwavering devotion. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her in all that she did. Gloria was also an avid singer, often filling her home and the hearts of others with beautiful songs of praise and joy. Her voice brought comfort and warmth to everyone who had the pleasure of hearing her sing. Gloria was the Director for the Owensboro Health Choir and the Choir Lead for the women’s Prison Ministries Choir. Gloria was a beloved granny who treasured her family deeply. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she was always there to offer a loving embrace, words of wisdom, and unconditional love.
Along with her parents, Gloria is preceded in death by her husband, William “Pete” Dean; her son, Patrick Ricks Dean; her nephew, Robert T. Ricks; her sister-in-law Carrie Mae Dean Boachie.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Shannon M. Dean, Jennifer Annette Hardin (Hadji); her adopted son, Robert (Angela) Hardaway; her stepson Josh Travis (Alpha) Taylor; her grandchildren, Jenée (Kurt) Hardin Brown, Jaylon Dean, H. Isaiah Hardin, Taylor Hardaway, Jalen Taylor, and Arianna Taylor; her siblings, C.N. “Bud” Ricks and Anna P. Peyton; her in-laws, Helen Hines, Anna Faye Dean, Vernel “Bubby” (Fay) Dean, Dennis (Michelle) Dean; along with a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025, at The Father’s House, with Pastor Jim Wells and Rev. C. Nathaniel Peyton officiating. Burial to follow at Owensboro Memorial Gardens. Friends and family are invited to visitation at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home and Crematory on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Friday, February 7, 2025, at The Father’s House, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with Gloria Dean’s care. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mrs. Dean and sign her virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.