Teresa Ann Dean

Teresa Ann Dean, 86, of Independence, MO passed away on August 29, 2023. She was born in Oklahoma City, OK on August 23, 1937, to Benjamin “Odom” and Nina (Gill) Lillard. Teresa went on to get her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Oklahoma. She met her husband of 60 years at a social gathering in Oklahoma City. Teresa and Bill were wed in 1962 and from this union they had two daughters and was a stay-at-home mom for years. Teresa was an animal lover and she and Bill always had a dog and a cat to love. She was an avid reader, loved a good puzzle, and was very skilled with needlework, crochet and needle point being a few of her favorites.

Teresa had a true love for parliamentary procedures as she joined the National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP) in 1974 and later the American Institution of Parliamentarians (AIP) in 1984. She was credentialed as a Certified Professional Parliamentarian (CPP) more than thirty years ago and went on to gain her Teacher (T) credential approximately ten years later. She was also a Professional Registered Parliamentarian  (PRP) in NAP and achieved the highest credentials in AIP. Teresa served the Missouri State Association of Parliamentarians as president twice, 1984-1986 and 2012-2014. She also served for two terms as president of the American Institution of Parliamentarians from July, 2002 through August, 2004.  She was also a member of the Santa Fe Trail Unit, and the Missouri Past Presidents and Registered Parliamentarians Unit. Teresa served on the Lester L. Dahms Memorial Foundation Board of Trustees for 15 years. Teresa got such great pride out of being a parliamentarian and worked on something “parliamentary” every day until recent years due to health issues.

Teresa is survived by her daughter Teri Morris (Dan), son-in-law William Burris, grandchildren; Carlyn, Christine, Benjamin, and Conner, great grandchildren; Cooper and Phoebe. She is preceded in death by her husband Bill and her daughter Catherine Dean Burris.

A memorial visitation for Teresa will be held at Carson Speaks Chapel on Saturday September 16, 2023 from 2-3:30pm with a memorial service beginning at 3:30pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Association Of Parliamentarians Educational Foundation.

Make your check payable to NAPEF and mail to

     NAPEF

     213 South Main Street

     Independence, MO 64050-3808

 By telephone by calling 816-833-3892.