Sylvia Jean Ball Dean, age seventy, of Cumberland, KY, passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at the St. Mary's Medical Center in Huntington, WV, after suffering a stroke.

Sylvia was born on February 8, 1952 to Verlan and Mable Johnson Ball in Harlan, KY. As one of the oldest of nine children, Sylvia grew up hard and learned at an early age to become a caregiver, which was a skill she used her entire life. She married young and raised two daughters; she cared for her parents in their later years; she raised grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was known as 'Mamaw Jean' to many children, not only to her own. Sylvia was a simple mountain woman who worked in a garden, canned her own food, enjoyed cooking, and was generous with all that she had. She was a giver and had a heart of gold. She believed in the Holiness faith.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents, Verlan and Mable Ball; a daughter, Teresa Dean Lamb; a sister, Barbara Gallagher; a brother, Foy Ball; a niece, Pat Gallagher; and a nephew, Kevin Jewell.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter Laura Dean (Amanda Wildern); five sisters: Margarette Usrey (Brad), Betty Sue Dean, Suvilla Jewell (Ken), Verla Jones, Zonda Ball; a brother, Rick Ball; eight grandchildren: Jeanie, Tiffany, Ashley, Andrea, John, Henry, Amanda, Shylea; twelve great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and many dear friends.

Sylvia's visitation will be held Saturday, November 26, 2022 from 2:00-4:00pm at the Harlan Funeral Home. There will be no funeral service.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Dean family.