Velma Dean Edington, one of twelve children of Elmer and Bertha (Piercy) Thurman, was born on January 27, 1935, in Neosho, Missouri. She passed away on September 22, 2025, at the age of 90, at home in Houston, Missouri, surrounded by family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, eleven siblings, and sons, Terry Ray and Kevin Michael.
Dean graduated from Neosho High School in 1953. She continued her education by completing cosmetology school on December 31, 1954. She married Omer E. Edington Jr. on March 5, 1954. They were married for 71 years. To this union, five children were born.
After moving to Houston in 1969, Dean worked several different jobs. She was a paraprofessional at Houston Elementary Schools, Director of the Senior Center, owner of Dean’s Fabric Store, and finally retiring from the University of Missouri Extension Office.
Dean was a long-time member of First Free Will Baptist Church in Houston. She was faithful in her fellowship by preparing meals, teaching VBS, working in the nursery and sitting in her back pew seat.
Dean had several different hobbies. It was a joy to receive a hand sewn quilt at Christmas time. She loved to see an idea and make her own craft with wood or fabric. She painted on whatever she could find in Omer’s garage! She was an avid reader, especially of John Grisham. Dean enjoyed being with her family, fishing, camping, playing cards and board games. She taught the art of cheating to many grandchildren. At the Thurman family reunions, she was noted for her unique hats.
She is survived by her husband, Omer; sons, Eddie (LeAnn) of Houston, MO and Jeff (Carla) of Mountain Home, AR; daughter Cheryl Ann Edington of Houston, MO; 13 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Dean’s life revolved around faith, family, and friends. Dean accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was a member of Houston Free Will Baptist Church. Dean was a proud wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, as well as aunt to many. She was a mentor and friend to many and will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.
