Esther Dean

Esther Watkins Dean, 85, of Frederick passed away on Friday, November 13, 2020 at the home of her daughter under the care of Hospice of Washington County.  She was born April 1, 1935 in her childhood home in Gaithersburg, Maryland to John Norman and Caroline Hazel (Gilliam) Watkins.  She married George Royal Dean on February 2, 1957 and was predeceased by him on March 8, 2000.

She graduated from Gaithersburg High School in 1953 and went to work for the First National Bank of Gaithersburg and retired from its successor NationsBank (Bank of America now) after 35 years of cumulative service.  She had several breaks in service to raise her kids and to accompany her husband on his military postings in Turkey and Texas.

Esther was an active, independent woman until her brain cancer diagnosis five weeks ago.  She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and especially her great-grandchildren.  She enjoyed playing cards with family and friends and every gathering included some form of card game.  She liked going to casinos and was an avid bingo player.  Before covid, she frequented the Frederick Elks, Frederick Moose, Lovettsville Volunteer Fire & Rescue and Walkersville Volunteer Fire & Rescue.  She loved to travel and often accompanied her daughter to various bowling tournaments throughout Maryland and across the United States.  She gained and built many friendships throughout the years of play and travel.  She especially enjoyed ‘wintering’ at her son and daughter-in-law’s and formed numerous friendships while there.

She is survived by her son John (Kathy) Dean of Bolivia, NC, her daughter Jean (Bob) Brooks of Rohrersville, MD, granddaughter Krystal Lowry, grandson Chris (Danielle) Brooks, great-grandchildren Em and Brayden Lowry and Madeline and Layla Brooks.  In addition to her children, she is survived by her sister Joan Watkins and her three children Bill, Karen and Bryan.  She will also be remembered by three sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews from her husband’s side of the family.  Her card playing/poker buddies and longtime friends in Florida and Alabama will miss her dearly.

Inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery is scheduled for Wednesday, August 11 at 3 p.m.  Attendees must be at the administration building by 2:15 pm.  We're advised to allow 20 minutes to clear security at the gate and all persons over 15 must present a valid photo ID.  Be prepared to wear a mask.

A visitation/celebration of life will be held the same date from 6 to 8 pm at the Walkersville Volunteer Rescue Company's social hall, 73 W. Frederick Street, Walkersville, Maryland.

If you wish to make a memorial donation, the family requests that it be sent to the Walkersville Volunteer Fire & Rescue Companies, 79 W. Frederick Street, Walkersville, MD 21793 or a charity of your choice.