Obituary of Dr. Mattie Mareene Estes

Funeral services for Dr. Mattie Mareene “Dean” Estes, age 82, of Wedowee will be held on Friday, September 7, 2018, at 2:00 PM at Benefield Funeral Chapel with Jim Battles officiating.  Burial will follow at Wedowee City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00-2:00 PM on Friday, September 7 before services begin.

Dr. Estes passed away Monday, September 3, 2018, after a long battle with Alheimer’s.

Survivors include: two children, Julie Bowlick (husband, Tim) of Douglasville, GA, and Rick Estes (wife, Jackie of Atlanta); grandchildren, Meagan, Gibson, and Lane Parker; one sister, Marsha Payne Russell; and nephew, Thom Sutherland and niece, Kristie Sanchez.

Pallbearers will be Gibson Bowlick, James Kendrick, Keith Estes, Mike Thomas, Tim Coe, and David Brown.

A Jasper, Alabama native, Dr. Estes was born on January 1, 1936, the daughter of James Bourbon and Pearl Payne.  Dean grew up in a farming family with lots of hard work which she always said made her more determined to get a good education.  She valued education above most things.  Dean married James Richard Estes, Sr., in 1954 while they were still in college at Jacksonville State University.  She graduated in 1955 with a degree in education.  Dean continue her education by earning a Master’s Degree and receiving her Doctorate from the University of Georgia.

Dean was an educator for over 30 years.  She began her career in DeKalb County, Georgia at Meadowview Elementary.  She moved to Douglas County, Georgia in 1972 and began a long and rewarding career in the Douglas County School System where she was Director of Staff Development.  Dean was always eager to mentor young teachers and encouraged many during her distinguished career.

Dean was blessed with many lifelong friends.  One special group called themselves the luncheon club.  Lots of laughs and love were share within this group of ladies.  Dean also spent countless hours crocheting for friends and family who treasured her creations.  She was a member and Sunday school teacher at Gresham Park Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Douglasville, and First Baptist Church Wedowee.  Dean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Richard Estes, Sr.; a grandson, Clifton Payne Estes; and a nephew, Gregory Alan Sutherland.