Josephina Rider Dean

Wednesday, October 2, 1963 - Sunday, December 18, 2022

Mrs. Josephina Rider Dean of Slocomb passed away Sunday, December 18, 2022 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 59.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 22, 2022 in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb with Rev. Wesley Adams and Rev. Tommy Moore officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday beginning at 1:00 p.m. and continuing until service time.

Jo Dean was born October 2, 1963 in Olonagapo, Philippines to Jackie Wayne Rider and Magdalina Ancho Rider. Jo settled with her family in Westville, FL in 1968. She attended Bethlehem High School. class of 1982. After high school she continued her education at Wallace Community College Dothan where she graduated with a degree in nursing. After working locally at Southeast Alabama Medical Center for several years, she became a travel nurse, taking travel assignments in San Francisco California where she met several lifelong friends.  Jo was always the life of the party and loved to dance and sing. Wherever Jo was there was never any shortage of dance music, karaoke, and costumes. She found great joy in planning special events for her loved ones, especially her grandchildren's birthday parties, that always included handmade decorations. As the oldest of six children, she embraced the responsibility of being a caregiver. She went on to choose a profession that would allow her to share her passion and make a difference in other people's lives. Jo also made a positive impact within her own family. Everyone always enjoyed the big Christmas parties Jo would host at her home. There have been so many great memories made and her family will continue to create more in her honor.

One daughter, Macy Norelle Dean preceded her in death.

Survivors include two daughters: Megan Messer, (Jeff) and Morgan Barton (Josh); grandchildren: Maddox Messer, Madeline Messer, Lucas Barton, and Zoey Barton; parents: Jack and Maggie Rider; siblings: Lee Rider (Rhonda Canerday), Butch Rider (Iris), Vickey Clark (Tommy), Corlen Kennedy, and Jack Rider; several nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.