Sue Anne Merritt Dean

Sue Anne Merritt Dean

October 17, 1969 – December 18, 2025

Sue Anne Merritt Dean, 56, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, December 18, 2025. A devoted mother, sister, daughter, and loyal friend, Sue Anne’s life was defined by her deep love for her family and her unwavering faith.

Born in Lebanon, Tennessee, on October 17, 1969, to the late Robert Reed Merritt and Wanda Sue Harris Henderson, Sue Anne was the widow of John Mike Dean. She was a member of Edgewood Baptist Church.

While Sue Anne wore many titles, her favorite was "Mimi." Her four grandsons were the light of her life, and they loved their Mimi beyond measure. Whether she was spending time with her boys or supporting her friends and family, her warmth and kindness left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her two sons, Cody Dean and his wife, Demetria, and William Michael Dean; her brother, J.R. Merritt and his wife, Ashley; and her four cherished grandsons, Josiah, Jonah, Jeremiah, and Judah Dean. Additional survivors include her “chosen” aunt, Dianna Stark and her husband, Bobby; her uncle, James “Jimmy” Harris; and several nieces and nephews, Noah Merritt, Alyssa Merritt, Olivia Merritt, Joshua Merritt, and Ayden Beazley.

She was preceded in death by her son, Timothy Hunter; her sister, Carrie Marie Merritt; and her “chosen” son, Luke Groves.

Service Information

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 PM on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Edgewood Baptist Church, with Pastor Steve Gray and Noah Merritt officiating. Visitation will begin at the church at 2:00 PM on Sunday.

A burial service will follow at 1:00 PM on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Williams Chapel Baptist Church in Springfield, Tennessee, with Pastor David Evans officiating.

Betts & West Funeral Home is honored to serve Sue Anne and her family during their time of need. Online guestbook at www.BettsWestfuneralhome.com.