Edith Dean

Edith M. Dean, 84, passed away on November 10, 2013 at her residence in Columbia, Ill. She was born in Brave, Pennsylvania, on July 14, 1929, to Harry and Mary Taylor Burris, Sr. She married Alfred E. Dean June 14, 1947. He preceded her in death July 13, 1967. Edith graduated from Fredericktown, Missouri High School in 1946, and enrolled in Southeast Missouri State College in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in the fall of 1946, majoring in Business Education and Language Arts on the secondary level. After receiving her Bachelor's degree, she enrolled in Missouri University in Columbia, Missouri, completing her Master's Degree specializing in the teaching of reading under Dr. Steryl A. Artley, renowned Scott Foresman author. Her teaching in the Missouri Public Schools included Cape Girardeau County and Fulton High School in Fulton, Missouri, where she served as Chairman of the English Dept. for many years. She retired in 1991 after 43 years in her special field. She moved to Columbia, Illinois, in 1993, where she had family. She was active in the City Planning Commission, serving as chairman for several years, active in Bridge groups, and was an avid reader of current materials. Survivors include: brother, Dr. Edwin Burris and wife, Marjorie; sister, Lela Vales, and sister-in-law, Ruth Burris. She is also survived by nieces and nephews. Others preceding her in death were her parents and brother, Harry Burris, Jr. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 13, 2013, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., at Lawlor Funeral Home, Columbia, Illinois. Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, November 14, at Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery, Columbia, Illinois. Memorial contribution suggestions: In lieu of other types of gifts, contributions may be made to the Edith M. Dean - Fulton High School Scholarship Fund, Fulton, Missouri. c/o Lawlor Funeral Home, 218 South Metter Avenue, Columbia, Ill. 62236. For more information, please access our website, www.lawlorfuneralhome.com.