Mrs. Wilhelmenia Dean

On January 29, 1926, in Sumter County, South Carolina, a radiant light entered the world. Born to Thomas W. and Hallie Miller Atkinson, this light grew to be Mrs. Wilhelmenia Atkinson Dean, a woman whose life would shine brightly as a beacon of wisdom, courage, and love. From her earliest days, Wilhelmenia’s thirst for knowledge was insatiable, a spark that carried her to the hallowed halls of Allen University in Columbia, SC, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in history. But her ambitions didn’t stop there. With determination as her compass, she pursued a master’s degree in history from Columbia University and another in Counselor Education from Georgia Southern University. A true lifelong learner, she continually sought wisdom, enriching herself and others through her participation in leadership programs and esteemed fellowships, such as the Ford Foundation Fellow and the General Electric Foundation Fellow. Her passion for learning transformed seamlessly into a passion for teaching. Mrs. Dean’s thirty-four year career in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System was one of trailblazing and transformation. With courage and grace, she broke barriers, becoming one of the first African American educators to integrate the faculty in Chatham County Public School System. At Beach Senior High and Savannah High, she wasn’t merely a social studies teacher or counselor; she was a mentor, a role model, and a champion for civic engagement. Her students learned not only about U.S. History and American Government but also about their roles as citizens, often being guided by her to register to vote. In her role as guidance counselor, she assisted many students to pursue academic endeavors beyond high school. Her influence was felt in her leadership roles, whether serving as Department Chairperson, President of the Savannah Secondary Counselors Association, president of the Superintendent’s Employee’s Advisory Council, or Co-chairing the Superintendent’s five-year Curriculum and Instructional Planning Committee. Her exceptional dedication earned her the title of “Teacher of the Year” at both Beach and Savannah High Schools. Her influence extended well beyond the classroom. As a co-organizer of Savannah State University’s Upward Bound program, Mrs. Dean inspired countless young minds to dream bigger and reach higher. Even after her retirement in 1986, her legacy lived on in the hearts of her students, whose enthusiastic cries of “Mrs. Dean! Mrs. Dean!” whenever they saw her in the community were a testament to her lasting impact. Mrs. Dean exemplified a life of civic responsibility and community engagement. She served on the board of the United Way of the Coastal Empire and was an active board member of the Hodge Memorial Daycare Center where she was recognized for 50 years of service and the Parent room was renamed in her honor. She also worked with the NAACP, the Historic Savannah Foundation, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Charter Archousa of Alpha Mu Boule’ and Alpha Lambda Boule’. She made history once more in 1996 when she became the first African American woman appointed as a Jury Commissioner in Chatham County. She was also the former president and honored as a Platinum member of the Savannah Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Mrs. Dean was an active member of the First Congregational Church in Savannah where she served for many years on the Executive Council. In her husband, the late Dr. Elmer J. Dean, Mrs. Dean found a partner who shared her values and her zest for life. Together, they graced the social scenes of Savannah by attending the functions of the Boule. They broke barriers as one of the First African American proprietors of a successful stable of standard breed horses—Trotters and Pacers. Mrs. Dean will be remembered by those who loved her as a frank and honest woman whose light illuminated the lives of all who knew her. She leaves behind a loving family of two Goddaughters’, a Godson, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who recently celebrated an early 99th birthday in her honor. Though she was preceded in death by her husband, her three brothers—Thomas Jr., David, and Marion Atkinson—and her five sisters—Harriet Alston, Thomasina Johnson, Vermelle Keith, Hallie Singleton, and Sylvia Loney—her memory will continue to burn brightly in the hearts of those she inspired. Mrs. Wilhelmenia Atkinson Dean’s life was a testament to the transformative power of education, the strength of community, and the enduring legacy of love. Her story will live on, a beacon for generations to come.

Mrs. Wilhelmenia Dean

January 29, 1926 - January 27, 2025