April 12, 2024, 74, Dudley —

Diane Martha Dean, 74, was welcomed home by her Lord and by her husband on Friday, April 12, 2024. Diane was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts on November 14, 1949, to the late Edward H. Bennett, III, and Phyllis E. Jenner Bennett. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 25 years, Lonnie Norman Dean, Jr.

Though born in the North, Diane would tell you that she moved to the South as quickly as she could. No matter where she lived, her love for kids was evident. From working in preschools to running an in-home daycare and cherishing the moments with her own grandchildren, Diane was happy to be in the presence of little ones. Her skills in crafting were the perfect complement to her love for children.

At home, Diane’s craft room was where she spent much of her time. She was a master at creating beautiful scrapbooks and could make just about anything with a few pictures of her family.

For nearly twenty-five years, Diane and her husband, Lonnie, were inseparable. Their love knew no bounds, and any time spent together was precious. When Lonnie passed away just over a year ago, Diane’s day-to-day life was changed dramatically. Though carrying on with the affairs of the day, her grief over his absence was always on her mind. Just as she had lived her entire life, Diane continued to face her adversities head-on and persevere. Through it all, she held hope in the promise of reuniting with Lonnie again.

Diane’s personality was magnetic, and she connected with people quickly. Building a relationship with Diane was easy, for she loved with her whole heart. Her love for people was only surpassed by her love of the Lord. Diane was a member at Generations Church and looked forward to every opportunity to join with fellow believers in ministry. Just a few weeks ago, she prepared over 700 stuffed eggs for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Her love of Jesus and those who shared her faith created a great community that Diane loved.

A service of love and remembrance will be held at Rouse Funeral Home on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. The family will receive friends in the hour prior to service. Committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Diane is survived by her sons, Christopher (Lori) Karampatsos, Phillip (Tammy) Karampatsos, Rev. Jason (Jennifer) Karampatsos, and Bella-Lynn (Loyce) Schofield; step-son, Lonnie (Kimberly) Dean; step-daughter, Pamela (Robbie) Reinhold; grandchildren, Alicia, Melvin, Alexis, Mark, Beverly, Bobby, Matthew, Hannah, Deborah, Shantel, Cameron, Ella, Autumn, Hailey, and Christian; great-grandchildren, Chase “Bean” Daelyn, Asher, and Sienna; older brother, Daniel Bennett; younger sister, Jodi McNamara; as well as her fur babies, Maxwell, Maggie, and Misty.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange, North Carolina.