Mary Carenell Murphy Dean

In Loving Memory of Mary Carenell Murphy Dean “Carrie,” “Little Honeydew,” “Maw Maw” Mary Carenell Murphy Dean, lovingly known to many as Carrie, to Willie as Little Honeydew, and most affectionately as Maw Maw, peacefully fell asleep in death on June 28, 2026, at the age of 82. She passed away in the comfort of her home in Homer, Louisiana, surrounded by the love of her family.

Mary Carenell was born on December 25, 1943, in Cotton Valley, Louisiana, to Emmett John Murphy, Sr., and Mary Idell Cook Murphy. She grew up in northwest Louisiana and graduated from Homer High School in 1963.

On July 12, 1958, Mary Carenell dedicated her life to Jehovah, her God, by being baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She found great joy in sharing the Bible’s message of hope with others and volunteered countless hours helping construct Kingdom Halls, where people could gather to worship Jehovah. As well as aiding in disaster relief work. She loved encouraging others with the promises found in God’s Word and looked forward with unwavering confidence to the fulfillment of those promises.

Mary Carenell was married to the love of her life, Willie D. Dean, on November 22, 1962, and together they built a home filled with love, hospitality, and unwavering devotion to their family.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Willie D. Dean, and daughters Mary Ann Dean, Pamela Ambrose and husband Darren, and Rebekah Rose and husband Boone.

She was a proud and devoted Maw Maw to Kati Bodeker and husband Spencer; Justin Rose and wife April; Bonnie Rose; Jesse Rose and wife Saleen; and Zhoe Ambrose.

Her greatest joy continued with her precious great-grandchildren: Zaydi Laird, Lakin Cross, Teagan Bodeker, Nathaniel Rose, and Carson Rose.

She is also survived by her siblings, Barbara C. Taylor, Melba F. Cook and husband Jesse, and Mark E. Davis and wife Francis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Emmett John Murphy, Sr., and Mary Idell Cook Murphy, as well as her brothers Emmett Murphy Jr., Emmett Doyle Murphy, Johnny T. Murphy, and E. J. Murphy Jr.

Mary Carenell had an eye for beauty and style. She owned and operated her beloved dress shop, Exclusively Yours, where she delighted in helping women feel confident and beautiful. Shopping wasn’t just something she enjoyed—it was one of the many ways she expressed her love for others.

She embraced life wholeheartedly. She loved traveling, reading, playing cards, cooking for family and friends, dancing, sparkling jewelry, and babies. She could never resist the biggest Coke anyone could find, and if you wanted to hear her laugh until tears rolled down her face, all you had to do was sit down for a game of cards and let her “whoop” someone.

Those who knew Mary Carenell will remember her as a woman who was both strong and graceful—tough when life required it, yet always dignified, beautifully put together, warm, and compassionate. She was a caretaker by nature. Her daughters often recall that whenever they were sick, they never had to wonder where their mama was. The moment they opened their eyes, she would be sitting faithfully beside their bed with a cool cloth on their forehead, caring for them through the entire night.

Her home was a place of comfort and welcome. Every visitor was greeted at the door with her familiar question, “What can I get for you?” Before long, she would be asking again, “Can I get you something else?” She had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel noticed, valued, and loved.

Her family will forever miss her radiant smile, her warm hugs, her homemade biscuits, and hearing her sweet voice call them “Darling” or “Honey.” More than anything, they will miss the way she made every person feel seen, heard, and deeply loved.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110