Merle Dean, 89, a resident of Georgiana, passed away on May 16. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery with Rev. Allen Stephenson officiating and Johnson Funeral Home directing arrangements. Ms. Dean is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Myrtle Herring; sister, Tip Herring; and brother, Billy Herring. Ms. Dean is survived by her husband, Renford Dean, Bay Minette, Ala.; daughters, Deborah Vermoral, Gainesville, Fla., Viki Siegel, Columbia, S.C.; sons, Steve Dean and Lee Dean, both of Georgiana; sisters, Mattie Jo Neese, Barbara Taylor; Brothers, Randall (Mary) Herring, and Henry Herring; sister-in-law, Paula Herring; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Online condolences may be made at www.johnsongeorgiana.com.