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.
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32 Condolence(s)
Libby Doss Lloyd
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Joey Dean. There really are not enough words to describe him. His warmth, compassion, energy, love & commitment at his very core. His love for family and his daughters will be etched in my heart forever.
Melinda McManus
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
I met Joey when I was a freshman at the University of Arkansas. We were both taking Tennis as a sports elective. He was so kind to me and I remember times that he drove me in his BMW to the pi phi house. What a sweetheart. I’m not a bit surprised to learn what a devoted father he was to his girls.
Shane Broadway
Monday, December 1, 2025
Debbie and I are sending our love and prayers to all of you. We wish that we could be there to celebrate his wonderful life with you today but are out of town. We were both blessed to work with Joey in different capacities through the years and he would become a great friend. Arkansas is a better place because of him and families who never knew him have a better life today because of his work. He will be missed but will always remain in our hearts.
Michaela Dolan Johnson
Monday, December 1, 2025
Joey sure made this world a better place. Paul and I were lucky enough to call him a friend. He was such a gentleman with a low-key, quick wit that always made me laugh. He will be deeply missed by so many. Our love goes out to his family. We all lost a great one with Joey!
Louise Rollefdon
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Sincere Condolences to the family of Joey Dean. He was a great man! He fought with all his heart and strength and believed in the power of prayer. Evidently, God wanted him now. I believe that God as a merciful God has Joey safe and sound in His loving arms.
Travis and Rita Duren
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Our prayers go out to the family of Joey. We know several family members and have for a long time. May the Lord bless each of you. Joey is at peace now with the Lord what a blessing that is and he is with other family members who have gone on before him.
Dean Arnold
Sunday, November 30, 2025
My parents have been friends with Mr. & Mrs. Dean for nearly 65 years. As a youngster, I was fortunate to spend some time in the summer with Joey and Rochelle. I send my heartfelt condolences to the Dean family during this exceptionally challenging time. What a wonderfully impactful life Joey lived, and his legacy will live on through Caroline and Mary.
~Rest in peace Joey
Tim Higginbotham
Friday, November 28, 2025
So sorry to learn about the passing of a great man. I was a few years ahead of him at Sigma Ni but could easily tell he was going to do great things. Gos bless him and his family.
Diane Schratz Rogers
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Joey was a great guy who had an amazing capacity to make friends along the way wherever he was. I never met him when he didn’t have pictures of his “girls” to show. He loved being their dad. He will be missed.
Kathy Searcy
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
I met Joey through the office of Senator Dale Bumpers, related to my work for Senator John McClellan. What a gift he was! Joey was kind to all, and connected us as we served the state. He made everything better, and brought joy in the journey. May he rest in peace. Prayers for all of his family, as sweet memories flow.
Dawn Murchison Tomescko
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Praying for all of the family. Sending lots of love your way
Christy Attkisson
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Praying for this family
Zina Underwood
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Joey was a great co-worker, and I never seen a day go by he didn't have a smile and have a kind word. Sending prayers for the faimily.
Barry Sellers
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Thoughts and prayers. Great Guy and ED Pro.
Tony Bowls
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Joey growing up was a good friend ! Summer with him and friends will always be valued yo me . May he rest in peace . Be Happy Joey !
Jonathan Ragan
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Joey was one of the nicest people I knew. He was a fraternity brother of mine at the U of A.
Mike Maulden
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Joey was a calming and soothing force in our economic development efforts. He was always positive and professional. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Rest in Peace, my friend
Hunter and Mark Goodman
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Joey was a resilient leader and tremendous champion for economic development in AR. Our state was fortunate to have him as a constant champion for its growth and people.
It is incredibly hard to lose a parent so soon in life. Joey will continue to be with you, watching over you with care and support. We send our warm thoughts to Joey’s family and especially to his daughters.
Michelle Blalock
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
I am so sad about sweet Joey and hate we had lost touch in the past couple of years. I especially am sad I didn’t know about the cancer or I would have had him on my prayer list, feel like I failed him in that way. Rest in peace Joey I will get to see you again…praying for his precious girls and family now…
Gary Stewart
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Edye Addington Quinney
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Joey was a“Prince among Men” I was fortunate to have met him and worked with him at AEDC on his return from Washington. There are no words to express how kind and considerate he was to one and all. I was there for his beautiful wedding to Kala and fun filled reception. I never heard him utter a bad word about anyone. It is no surprise he was such a wonderful father to Caroline and Mary Corrine. And very successful in his career. He’s dancing with the angels! But gone too soon. Deepest sympathy to all the family. Edye Quinney
Steve Bowlan
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
My heart goes out to the family during this sad time.
Don and Trudy Hughes
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
We are so very sorry to hear of Joey’s passing. He was certainly a handsome man with a beautiful soul. He will be missed by so many. Rest in peace. Continued prayers to all the family.
Jane Petty
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
When I told Mom ( Mary Jane) about Joey, she remembered a sweet little boy at England Academy! She knows how devastated the family must be and sends her prayers at this most difficult time. Gone too soon. Hugs!
Renee Doty
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
You will be so missed my friend. Thank you for all the good times and great memories. Big hugs to Corinne, Caroline, Kayla, and the family.
sonja buchanan
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Joey was "THAT" friend. He made everyone he encountered feel heard and loved. It didn't matter if it had been 5 years or 20, he always found a way to re connect. He made it so easy to catch up. Such a beautiful and caring soul. My heart is broken that he has left this earth but I do know .. we will "catch up " again someday. Until then...
Bill Paschall
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Joey left the world a better place. He will be missed. RIP
Theresa Carmichael
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Joey, you were a gift, and I will always cherish the final words you said to me. You will be remembered fondly, my dear friend.
With sincere regards,
Theresa Carmichael
Deniese Carter
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
My deepest prayers are that Our Lord in Heaven will surround Joey’s family with the comfort that only he can provide. .
The first person I met from England besides my husband , was Joey. Oh, how I loved him!!! (We worked in Economic Development for the state, years ago.)
I was blessed when I met Joey Dean!!
I’ve Never forgotten you, Joey, I Never will!
Sheri Gunn
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
I am heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend, Joey. We shared so many years of friendship and countless memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I will always be grateful for our friendship! Wishing all of the Dean family comfort, strength, and gentle peace during this incredibly difficult time.
Meg (Norwood) Diekmann
Monday, November 24, 2025
What a blessing Joey was to my life! I loved him dearly!! I will always remember the fun years we had together!
Praying for the whole family during this difficult time♥️
Linda Williams Watts
Monday, November 24, 2025
Sympathy and Prayers