Latoya Katrise Dean

Latoya Katrise Dean, age 42, passed away on January 18, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina. She was born on May 23, 1983, in Newark, New Jersey.

Latoya was the beloved daughter of Jeffery Dean and Debra Paschall Dean, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Latoya pursued her higher education at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where she completed a double major in Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering. She later continued her studies at Cape Fear Community College, where she majored in Construction Management Technology and was a proud member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Upon relocating to North Carolina, Latoya joined New Beginning Christian Church in February 2009. She later answered the call to serve in June 2018, becoming a faithful member of the Usher Board Ministry, where her quiet strength and welcoming smile helped shepherd God's children into the sanctuary, offering warmth and kindness to all who entered.

Latoya was actively involved in professional, civic, and service organizations.

She was a member of National Women in Construction, the National Association of Black Engineers, the Wilmington Minority Professional Network Group, and a Charter and Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women Coastal Wilmington, where she also faithfully served as Treasurer.

Latoya was a devoted member of The Order of Eastern Star, Jeptha Chapter #4, where she held membership for 20 years and served honorably as Associate Matron for three years, demonstrating steadfast leadership, commitment, and service.

She generously volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club and the Food Bank of Southeastern North Carolina, reflecting her deep care for others and her heart for service.

Latoya had a love for hands-on work and creativity, particularly construction projects. She also enjoyed working as a movie extra, an experience she found exciting and meaningful. She can be seen as an extra in the Netflix film The Sin Seer. A devoted sports fan, she proudly supported the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Knicks.

She is survived by and left to mourn her passing by: her loving aunts, Glinda Paschall Jones (Leonard) and Sharon Dean; her beloved pet, Beauty, and a devoted extended family. Others left to mourn include: her cousins, LaTia Hall (David), Sherita Lawson, Kianna Lawson, and Rashawn Gunn, as well as her cherished nieces and nephews David Jr., Cameron, Jordyn, Canon, and Londyn.

Latoya Katrise Dean will be remembered for her intelligence, faith, leadership, generosity, and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the memories she leaves behind.

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