Mrs. Julia Annette Dean

Julia Dean was born on May 30, 1945, to Mittie Nero Trulv and Oscar Truly in Chicago, IL. Julie's family moved to Milwaukee, WI in the early 50's to be closer to family, and start a new life with more opportunities. Julia accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age. Her family was Methodist and she attended St. James United Methodist for many years. On Julia's journey in life, in the 5th grade, she met Louis at Hopkins St. Elementary School, and they became friends. They also attended North Division High School together, where they began dating. After Louis' four-year military stint, he returned to Milwaukee and married Julia on March 18, 1972. They were married for 50 years and celebrated this special time with their close friends, Dianne and Marvin Pratt. The special union they shared brought two daughters, Dominique and Simone. Louis and Julia started Truly's Marinade in their kitchen back in the late 80's, It took off in the [ate 90's and they were featured in multiple news articles, participated in Farmer's Markets, won a contest at the State Fair, and even had their marinade sold in stores (Bunzel's Meat Market, Sentry, Jewel Osco, Walmart. and Bill the Butcher). Julia worked that business for many years. She was also the face of the marinade. When the business dissolved, she and Louis would still make the marinade ("the juice") for close friends and family. Julia and Louis traveled the world, Virgin Islands, and sailed the Norwegian Pearl amongst several cities in the United States. Julia was an avid reader and loved school. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1972, with an undergraduate degree in behavioral studies/ discipline. She obtained her first position at Pleasant View, and worked there for 20 years in special education. In the early 8O's, she earned her master's degree from Lesley College in educational administration. She went on to work at various elementary schools in the metro Milwaukee area as an Assistant Principal for 11 years. She retired in the summer of 2004. Julia had always loved and adored children, which is why she went into the field of teaching. She taught all of her grandchildren how to read at early ages, and always expressed the importance of education, especially reading. Julia enjoyed traveling, shopping, going to her family reunions every other year, sister trips, exercising, spending time with her grandchildren, and working on her business. Julia stayed very active, dancing, walking, yoga, riding her bike, or working on one of her many fitness machines. Julia was an advocate for healthy eating and staying fit. Her motto was, "Eat healthy, look healthy, and feel healthy". She walked daily, did Hatha (pronounced Ha-they) Yoga for many years, always watched what she would eat, and even rode her bike until she was 67 years old. Julia enjoyed dancing and partying, up until her last days. She even taught some of her caregivers how to shimmy and shake a tail feather. She would light up the room. Julia was the life of the party and best dressed, elegant and classy all the time. In the early hours of December 10, 2022, Julia "Truly" Dean passed away from a long-time illness at age 74 in a care home. She would not want anyone to cry for her, but instead celebrate the life she lived. She is survived by: spouse, Louis Dean Jr.; two daughters, Dominique Owens and Simone Yates; one goddaughter, Chartese Benton; eight siblings and their spouses; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mrs. Julia Annette Dean

May 30, 1948 - December 10, 2022