Gennieve Dean

On September 21, 1942, in Guntown, Mississippi, Gennieve Dean was born to Wynona and Jennie Cummings. Mat, as she was lovingly called by family and friends, was a woman of faith, unshakable strength, and a kind, caring heart. Her spirit touched the lives of many, and she will forever be remembered for her love, wisdom, and the unapologetic authenticity she shared with those around her.

Mat accepted Christ at a young age. She was a long-time member of Beautiful Gate Missionary Baptist Church, where she found strength and fellowship under the leadership of the late Reverend C.M. Jones Sr. and Reverend Charlie Jones Jr. She held firmly to her beliefs through every trial and triumph.

Mat worked at Bibco Incorporated for many years until her well-deserved retirement. Outside of work, she enjoyed the simple joys of life, family reunions, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had a love for playing cards, watching Tubi, watching life unfold outside her window, and keeping up with all that was happening in her community. Mat's special bond with her grandson, Deandre Atkins, and her great-granddaughter, KaNyia “Lil Pammie” Windmon, were sources of great joy in her life.

Mat had a way of speaking that captivated both the young and the old, offering wisdom with a candid, yet loving tone. She was not afraid to speak her truth, and in doing so, left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her sons, Terry Ruff and Steven Dean of Kalamazoo, Michigan; daughters, Jennifer Dean of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Nona (Steve) Newbern of Benton Harbor, Michigan; two devoted sisters, Fay Nell Whitlock of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Nelter Christian of Benton Harbor, Michigan; sister-in-law, Robbie Cummings of Benton Harbor, Michigan; 12 grandchildren: Sa’Vion Dean, Kyle (Kali) Abbott, Tyree Lewis, Stephon (Kae) Dean, Stevie Dean, Deandre Atkins, Demonte Atkins, Damien Windmon, Latorya Mitchell, Darius Snell, Avontae Young, Audrianna Lathrop and Stephanie Dean; 16 great-grandchildren; a special niece, Sandra Drake; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and a large extended family of friends.

Mat was preceded in death by her parents, Wynona and Jennie Cummings; her beloved daughter, Pamela Dean; sisters, Nona Nichols, Channie Green, Wynell Cummings, Josie Jones; and brothers, Clois Willie Cummings and Allen Cummings.

Her love for family, her kindness, and her unyielding strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Mat endured each day with grace, trusting in the Lord, and holding steadfast to her faith. As she now rests in peace, her spirit soars, renewed and free, in the arms of the Lord. Her legacy of love will continue to guide us.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now, there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day…” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

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