of Little Rock, AR

June 8, 1969 - November 22, 2025

Joseph Cromwell Dean, 56, of Little Rock, Arkansas left this earth after a heroic battle with cancer and entered into his eternal home on November 22, 2025. He was born on June 8, 1969 in Little Rock, Arkansas to his loving parents, Marion and Jimmy Dean, Sr. "Joey" grew up in England, Arkansas as the youngest sibling of three, following Jimbo and Rochelle and was often referred to as "little baby Joey". He graduated from England High School and went on to pursue a degree at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where he was also a proud member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. After graduation, Joey moved to Washington D.C., where he worked under the late Senator Dale Bumpers. Once back in Little Rock, he worked tirelessly with the State of Arkansas exploring and securing economic development for the state. He was able to travel the world and was passionate about making new relationships and bringing new ideas and businesses back to our state. He was committed to make Arkansas better and he did just that. He had an uncanny ability to connect to almost anyone. His versatility allowed him to connect with people from all places, all cultures and all walks of life.

Though he was very proud of his accomplishments, his biggest and most cherished accomplishment was becoming a father. He was the best "girl dad" to his precious daughters, Caroline and Mary Corinne. He became a master of hair-do's and shopping and was simply a master of hugs. His hugs healed broken hearts! His daughters were his entire world and he was happiest when he was with them both!

Joey loved life. He had a profound love for all genres of music, his favorites being Paul Simon, The Beatles and Billy Joel. He loved to dance, especially during Saturday morning dance parties with his girls. He was a foodie in all senses of the word. He loved to watch cooking shows and was a brilliant chef and entertainer, a trait he inherited from his mother. If he wasn't in the kitchen making treats for his girls, he was likely to be found in his backyard planting something or simply enjoying nature. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. His humor, his wit, his incredible sense of taste and style will be missed greatly.

In the last few months, he taught so many the meaning of strength and the meaning of the word surrender. He fought his battle so courageously and even on the hard days would find a smile to share with his loved ones. He never complained, just kept fighting and surrendering all that was out of his control to God. Despite his pain, he selflessly kept taking care of others and worried about everyone else. He was so special to all of us and will always be loved "a bushel and a peck".

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Lois and Cromwell Dean, Virginia and Eugene Neal Sr.; uncle, Eugene Neal Jr. and aunt, Ann Scott (Bobby). He is survived by his children, Caroline Dean and Mary Corinne Dean and their mother, Kala Rogers; parents, Marion and Jimmy Dean Sr.; brother, Jimmy Dean Jr. (Gina); sister, Rochelle Cella (Louis); uncle, Ronald Dean (Patsy); aunts, Phyllis Neal and Jeanette Eledge; nieces and nephews, Dustin Dean (Rachel), Cooper Dean, Kaylie Davis, Dylan Davis, Chelsey Boucher (Eric), Kate Boucher, Kynlee Boucher, Lillian Gilvarg (Charles), Goldie Gilvarg, Eloise Gilvarg, Charles Cella and a host of cousins, family and friends who loved him dearly.

Joey will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony. There will be a public Celebration of Life at England First United Methodist Church in England, Arkansas on December 1, 2025 at 2 P.M. His family would like to extend their most heartfelt appreciation and sincerest gratitude to the teams at CARTI and Baptist Health for their kindness and care provided during his illness. His family asks that donations in his honor be made to CARTI in Little Rock, AR.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-England Funeral Home
202 Stuttgart Highway
England, AR  72046
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com