Britt Baker Dean, 86, passed away from complications of dementia on May 10, 2018.

Britt was brave; smarter than she ever received credit for; a devoted friend, sister, and mother; and the life of the party.  She was a country cook, making the best fried chicken, potato salad, slaw and corn bread ever.  Always competitive, she would kick your butt in bridge, Rummy Cube, hearts, Sorry and any other game she played more than once.

Britt was raised on a small tobacco farm in Wilson, with loving, hard-working parents and six siblings.  After seeing her mom and dad, Ada and Alec Baker, cry after a hail storm destroyed the crops, she knew she didn't want to be a farmer's wife and moved to Raleigh, with a few dollars and no job, but a lot of courage and determination.

Britt spent most of her career as a teller at First Citizen's Bank, where she counted money faster than anyone and could spot counterfeit bills better than the Feds.  Not long after joining the bank, there was a stir in the lobby when a man wearing a pink zoot suit and purple shirt (yes, that's right) walked in and was swarmed by her co-workers.  She asked, "who the heck is that?'  It was the love of her life, Joe Dean, just back from Germany.  He sweetened the courtship by giving her a pair of earrings each week, and when we cleaned out the house to move her, she had 300+ pair.  They were married for over 40 years, living a happy life full of laughter, elaborate pranks, generosity, and love.  Their two children, Joey and Julie, focus each day on their legacy to work hard and be kind.

In addition to her children, Britt is survived by her two grandsons, Riley and Ellis, and siblings, Florence McKeel, Rufus Baker and AD Baker, and their beautiful children and grandchildren.  She was predeceased by sisters, Ann, Ethel and Mildred, and her extraordinary husband, Joe.  We are forever grateful to Royce Brown and his family for all of their love.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 16, 2018 from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. at Montlawn Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday in the funeral home chapel.  Burial will follow in Montlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, spend your time celebrating the life of someone you love.