Karen Denise Dean "Mama Dean"

Karen Denise Dean “Mama Dean” 57, of Kingsport, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024 after a courageous two year fight with cancer. 

Karen was born November 30, 1966 in Kingsport, where she remained a life long resident. A mighty Raider and proud Bloomingdalian, Karen was part of the class of ’85 (Alumni) at Sullivan North High School. She not only attended North as a student, but also taught as a substitute teacher for over 20 years. Most recently she worked for Ballad Centers for Health and Aging. 

Karen never met a stranger; she had a truly loving and kind spirit, made evident by her many years of work in the Sullivan County education system; Karen loved her community and the children she taught. Family and friends meant the world to her. She enjoyed going on day trips with her husband and spending quality time with her children and granddaughter. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Judith Watson Breeding and in-laws, Ray and Eula Dean. 

Survivors include her husband of 35 years, Brad Dean; son, Seth-Issac Bradley Dean (Samantha Keene); daughter, Sarah Brittany Denise Dean (Anthony Mutter); granddaughter, Saylor Rae Mutter; several friends, neighbors and her special Sullivan North kids. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Honor of Karen or to the Bloomindale Fire Department. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.