Ms. Mary Dean "Deano" Walters

Ms. Mary Dean Walters, affectionately known as "Deano," was born on June 22, 1960, to the late Mr. Eddie Lee Cooper Sr. and the late Mrs. Mozelle Harpe. She was educated in the Sumter County public school system. Mary Dean was a devoted sister, a loving mother, and a cherished grandmother. She worked faithfully at Magnolia Manor in Americus, Georgia, until her health declined.

On September 24, 2025, God called Mary Dean to her eternal home. She now rests with the Lord, joining her brothers: Eddie Lee Cooper Jr. and Jessie B. Walters; her granddaughter, Damya Walters; her aunts: Alice Barner, Emma Lee Cross, Willie Mae Montgomery, and Annie Bell Holmes; and her uncles: James Walters, Henry Walters, and Charlie Walters.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Mrs. Lakisha (Trell) Merritt of Macon, Georgia; her sons: Mr. Cedric (Taneshia) Smith, Mr. Torris (Kisha) Smith, and Mr. Damian (Sarah) Walters all of Americus, Georgia. Grandchildren include Chanteria Merritt, Kentavious Flowers, Braylan Huckaby, Cedric Smith Jr., Shakayla Smith, Na'Liyah Merritt, Mariah Smith, Shania Walters, Malaysia Walters, and Mazaria Smith. She is also survived by her great-grandchild, Bradley Gordon; siblings: Mr. Sammie Lee Harpe, Mr. Stan (Thedoshia) Cooper, and Mr. Joe (Barbara) Smith; her aunt, Ms. Mary Lee Walters; and her bonus mother, Ms. Effie Cooper. Two beloved friends, Ms. Nancy Bruce and Ms. Joann Gordon, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends, also mourn her passing.