Mona Faye Horton Dean, 88, of Lizard Lick, passed away November 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 28, 1936, in Wake County to the late Earl Horton and Pearl Johnson Horton. Mona was a lifelong resident of Wendell and a proud graduate of Wakelon High School in Zebulon. She furthered her education by earning a bachelor’s degree from Meredith College, a testament to her dedication to both learning and her community.

Mona loved the town of Wendell and all it had to offer. She became an active member of the Wendell Garden Club, where she found joy in nature and working alongside friends. Mona’s deep appreciation for local history led her to become a devoted sponsor of the Wendell History Museum.

In her professional life, Mona worked alongside her husband at C. Proc Dean Inc. and Wendell Transport, where they made significant contributions to the local economy and community.

Mona had a lifelong love for Tennessee Walking Horses, a passion she devoted much of her time to. She was a proud member of the North Carolina Walking Horse Association and was known for her skill and dedication in the show ring. Throughout her career, Mona was the proud owner of several world champion horses, including two world-grand champion horses.

Mona is survived by her son, Carl Proctor Dean II (Amy); grandchildren, Jordan Elizabeth Dean and Carl Proctor Dean III (Alexis); great-granddaughter, Graycen Louelle Dean; sisters-in-law, Janet Sassnet and Peggy Dean; nieces and nephews, Earl Oliver Horton III (Nela), Griselda Goodwin (Neal), Bonita Arvizu (Henry), Leigh Tetterton (Bobby), Paul Sassnet (Marcy), and Pam Gambill (Arnold); and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Proc Dean, and her brother, Oliver Horton.

A visitation will be held from 12:45-1:45 pm, Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Wendell United Methodist Church, 129 N Main St, Wendell, NC 27591, with a funeral service starting at 2:00 pm. Burial will take place at Greenmount Cemetery, 536 W Academy St, Wendell, NC 27591, immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wendell United Methodist Church, 129 N Main St, Wendell, NC 27591 or to the NC Walking Horse Association Scholarship Fund (NCWHA), 213 Lindsay Creed Lane, Mt. Airy, NC 27030.