Edna Allen Dean

Edna Veora Allen Dean of Richmond VA, passed away quietly with her sister by her side on July 1, 2020 at the age of 81. She was predeceased by her husband John Dean, and her parents Edward Baker Allen of Farmville, VA and Vera Omega Allen nee Jones of Charles City, VA. Edna was born in Farmville and attended Robert Russa Moton High School there. In 1951, while attending Moton, she participated in a student walk out that led to the landmark United States Supreme Court case, Brown vs. Board of Education, in which the Court declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional. She continued her education at Springfield College where she received her bachelor's degree in Recreation. Later she received a master's degree in Social Work at Columbia University, an associate's degree in Funeral Services at John Tyler Community College, and a PhD in Social Work Education at Union Graduate School. She was also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Once Edna entered the work force, she served in a multitude of positions in a variety of places. She lived in Massachusetts and New York. She also lived in Los Angeles for many years before returning to Virginia. She took over the operation of the family business, E.B. Allen Funeral Home, after the untimely passing of her father, E.B. Allen. Edna worked as a Social Worker. She was also an associate professor in Social Work at Longwood University for 24 years. Longwood is currently in the process of naming a newly constructed building after Edna. After retirement, she continued to serve the university community as well as the local community. She referred the Longwood honors staff to the history of magnolia trees on the site designated for an Honors Garden, a project connected to the governor's "Renew Virginia" initiative and Michelle Obama's vegetable garden on the White House grounds Edna provided the research linking the magnolia trees, that originated at the White House, to the garden site. She was instrumental in boosting the efforts to get the project approved and provided a focal point for the future Longwood students and campus visitors to learn central issues in our national life. In addition, with her mother and sister, and the Martha E. Forrester Society, Edna participated in the process to purchase the building to make R.R. Moton into a historical landmark and museum. Edna was married twice. Edna married Charles Bledsoe in 1977. She later married her childhood friend, John Dean at First Baptist Church in Farmville, VA. Edna shared her musical talents playing for the choir at the family's church home, First Baptist Church. Her home was always open to others, especially her college students. Her dedication to young adults awarded her the honor of the Edna Allen Scholarship created in her name. She is known for her friendships and her love of travel which took her many places including Mexico, East Africa, England, Italy, Greece, and the Caribbean. She also loved food and she knew the best locations for eating no matter what road you traveled. Edna is also known for her flair for interior decorating, her appreciation of textiles, shopping, and fashion. Her generosity, feistiness, and quick retorts will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Dr. Edna Veora Allen Dean was also known as Eddye, Auntie, and Baby Sis. She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her two nieces, Lori Isaac and Dr. Jill Isaac Anderson (Kevin Anderson); her three great-nephews, Royce Isaac, Amare Anderson, and Jaydon Anderson, and a plethora of cousins and friends

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Edna Allen Dean

August 13, 1938 - July 1, 2020