Lillian Smith Dean: Honoring the Enduring Legacy of a Cincinnati Education Leader

Lillian Smith Dean, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, was the youngest in a large family of nine children born to the late Rev. and Mrs. B.H. Smith. Preceding her in death were her cherished husband, Benjamin Dean Jr., and her brothers: Raymond, Benjamin, H. Jr., Frederick, James, Joseph, William, Robert, and Thomas Smith.Raised in the West End neighborhood, Lillian attended Bloom and Woodward High Schools. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati and a Master’s in Counseling & Guidance from Xavier University, furthering her studies at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.Married in 1955, Lillian and Benjamin Dean Jr. celebrated their love with a memorable flight over Cincinnati. Their 62-year union produced one daughter, Leslie Dean-Jennings. Active at Union Baptist Church under Dr. Orlando B. Yates, Lillian also made significant contributions to Cincinnati Public Schools and various community organizations. Her legacy is carried on by her daughter, Leslie Dean-Jennings.Services were held at Spring Grove Funeral Home in Cincinnati on July 14, 2025.