Aaron Deans

Aaron Deans of Washington, NC went into eternal rest on September 12, 2022. A visitation will be held 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday at Paradise Memorial Chapel. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 am, Saturday at St. John COC. Burial will follow. Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to Paradise Funeral Home Inc.

Our dearly beloved Aaron Deans was born on November 28, 1937, in Fort Valley, Georgia to the late Jessie and Emma Deans. He grew up with a dedicated focus on the teachings of love, caring, and spirituality instilled by his parents.

Aaron moved to Washington, NC at the age of four and lived with his Uncle Aaron (Pap) and Aunt Ella for two years until his parents were ready to relocate to NC from Georgia. His Uncle was indeed a great father figure and Aaron continued to receive the love, care, and teachings he had received from his parents.

As an adult, Aaron was forever dedicated to trying to make sure all his family members were taken care of. He always took great pleasure in hosting huge cook outs for his family and friends. He maintained this attitude of love and caring for as long as he was able. Aaron not only cared deeply about his family but cared about people in general, always willing to help anyone in need whenever he could. He believed that love trumps everything else, and his life was testament to that belief.

Aaron graduated from P.S. Jones High School in 1956, and then started his career with the US Coast Guard. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1958 and spent most of his service aboard ships working as a Boiler Engineer. During his service in the military, he traveled to many different countries and states. He retired from the Navy in 1976 at Great Lakes Illinois and then decided to make Illinois his home.

For the next thirty years, he lived in North Chicago, IL. During that time, he worked as an instructor for the Great Lakes Navy Base, at the Commonwealth Edison Electric Company, and he managed the Foss Park Golf Club.

Some of his most enjoyed activities included his membership at Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, playing golf and traveling to various tournaments, and being a member of Little Fort Elks Lodge #1359. He held many offices in his Lodge and served as House Chairman and many terms as Exalted Ruler, advancing to the highest level of Elkdom, Past Grand Exalted Ruler. As an Elk, Aaron was dedicated to their charitable works, especially volunteering to support the disabled veterans at Downy Mental Health Center of Great Lakes Navy Base.

Aaron was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers; Raymond Price, Leroy Deans, and Willie Frank Deans, three sisters; Clemmie Mae Deans, Helen Bailey, and Wynell Sams. Aaron leaves to mourn his loving wife, Dr. Brenda Senter (Deans), one son, Dr. Donald E. Whitley (Mrs. Frances Whitley), of Wilson, NC, one stepdaughter, Mrs. Jemilah Senter (Mr. Joseph Flaherty) of Milwaukee, WI, three sisters; Mrs. Edna Woodward, of Newark, NJ, Mrs. Carolyn Pitts (Mr. Richard Pitts) of Chocowinity, NC, Mrs. Evelyn Mayfield of Grimesland, NC, one sister-in-law, Mrs. Daisy Deans of Washington, NC, 4 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews including a very special nephew, Kenny, who was always there to assist him with any job, no matter how big or small.

Aaron also had many close friends including Mrs. Sylvia Anderson, Mr. Scott Ross, Mr. Fred Roberson, Mrs. Alberta Brooks, and special friends of North Chicago, Illinois, including Uncle Louie, Brother Atlas, and Brother Woody.

What does Aaron’s death portend for family, friends, and acquaintances? It reminds us that life is fleeting, and that love, togetherness, compassion, and forgiveness are best practiced today as if today was our last day. His death tells us that quality of life may be more important than length of life. It says that intervals between our birth dates and death dates are windows of fleeting opportunity. We will all miss Aaron and we believe that no one truly dies as long as they are remembered.

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