Cora Nell Dean Obituary (1928 - 2025) - Port Royal, South Carolina

Cora Nell Waters Dean, 97, widow of Jack Clancy Dean, of Port Royal, SC, died Sunday, April 20, 2025 at her residence surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 10:30am in Port Royal United Methodist Church with interment in Beaufort National Cemetery. Nell was born on January 26, 1928 in Savannah, GA. She is the daughter of the late Joseph and Bessie Byrd Waters. She was a homemaker and then worked for United Phone company for numerous years after her children were older. Avid lover of nature she traveled to various campgrounds with her beloved husband of 40 plus years. She enjoyed square dancing and traveled all over the southeast with a club. She was a member of the VFW Ladies auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary. Where she generated lifetime friendships. She was a founding member of the United Methodist Church of Port Royal. She served in many capacities from bible study leader, bereavement and membership club along with the ever-vigilant door greeter with her welcoming smile. She volunteered at Beaufort Memorial Hospital women’s auxiliary and logged over 17,000 volunteer hours that stretched over 40 years. Nell and Belle (twin sister) opened the first hospital gift shop at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Surviving are two sons, Joseph Dean and Jack Dean (Michell); one daughter, Mary Edwards; special niece, Mary Beth Heyward; four grandchildren and numerous great & great great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her son in law Sonnie Edwards, a brother Richard Waters, Sisters Dora Belle Heape, Mary Ann Gray and Henrietta Hopkins. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Port Royal United Methodist Children's program.