Mary Wheat Burks Dean

Mary Burks Dean, 88, of Bedford died Friday, April 8, 2011 at Lynchburg General Hospital. She was born in Bedford County June 6, 1922, a daughter of the late Frank Wellington Burks and Sallie Wheat Burks.

Mrs. Dean was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church, a resident of the Elks National Home and was an avid golfer. She retired from Rubatex Corp. as Purchasing Agent with over 35 years of service.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Ward Ashby Dean, Sr., her brother, Reed Smith Burks of PA; two sisters, Hallie Burks Albergotti of Roanoke and Frances Burks Burger of Natural Bridge.

She is survived by her son, Ward Ashby Dean, Jr. and his wife, Cathy of Lynchburg; grandson, John Wesley Dean of Lynchburg; granddaughter, Elizabeth Dean Wright and husband, Tim of Lynchburg; her brother, Frank William Burks and his wife, Jeannine of Roanoke and her sister, Doris Burks Stanley of Bedford; also a number of nieces and nephews.

A private interment in Greenwood Cemetery will be held at a later date.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford. Those wishing to make memorials are asked to consider the Elks National Home Special Care Unit, 931 Ashland Avenue, Bedford, VA 24523 or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 540-586-3443.