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AHOSKIE – Shirley Jean Deans, age 73, of Hexlena Road, passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2024 at the ECU Health Medical Center of Greenville, NC.

Shirley was born on May 4, 1951 to Eugene Wilson Baggett and Maggie Lillie Skinner Baggett in Hertford County, NC. Shirley dedicated much of her life to serving others through her work as a phlebotomist/medical assistant. Outside of her professional pursuits, Shirley found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved fishing, camping, and spending quality time with her friends. Above all, Shirley cherished her deep and abiding faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those who had the privilege of knowing Shirley will remember her for her compassionate nature, her love for the outdoors, and her unwavering devotion to her faith. She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by siblings, Talmadge Eugene Baggett, Bobby Ray Baggett, Stanley Ray Baggett, William Robert Baggett and Margaret Faye Futrell.

Shirley is survived by her special adopted friend, Cindy Smith of Harrellsville; children, Gary Mitchell Deans Jr. (Ann) of Havelock, Thomas Earl Deans (Todd) of Hampton, VA, and Jason Thomas Aldridge (Carolyn) of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Amanda Boone (Loren) of Havelock, Allison Fulcher of Havelock, Alan Deans of St. Anne, MO, Aaron Deans of St. Augustine, FL, and Silas Aldridge of St. Louis, MO; brother, Curtis Earl Baggett; great grandchildren, Garrett Ambrose, Brooklyn Willis, Makayla Boone, Brady Boone, Joslyn Fulcher, and Johnathan Fulcher, Jr.; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

The family will have a gathering to celebrate Shirley’s life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made directly to the Bertie County Animal Shelter, 217 County Farm Rd., Windsor, NC 27983 or online by visiting tmcfunding.com/search fund, type – Shirley Deans.

I am the resurrection, and the lift; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. John 11:25-26

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Deans family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.