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Leisa Mae Kinchen Dean, 64, of the Mt. Pleasant Community, passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 20, 2022, at Sutton Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. Lynn Roberts officiating.  Interment will follow at Prosperity Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery with Ashley Kinchen, Lance Wilson, Brian Dean, Kerry Dean, Al Brock, Casey Kinchen, Cody Kinchen, Jason Murray, Wendell Gardner, Drew Gardner, and Jeremy Beard serving as active pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to Prosperity Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, C/O Dorothy Martin, 369 Martin Road, Bainbridge, GA 39817.

Leisa Mae Kinchen was born September 4, 1957, in Camilla, Ga., the daughter of Carl & Florence Frazier Kinchen. She was an honor graduate of Bainbridge High School, Class of 1975, and attended Bainbridge Junior College. Leisa married Richard Dean in 1978 and they made their home in the Mt. Pleasant community. Leisa worked at home, on the farm, and later as a paraprofessional/teacher at Jones-Wheat Elementary School as well as other schools serving hearing impaired students. She attended Sutton Chapel United Methodist Church.

The epitome of a quiet disciple, Leisa loved the Lord with all her heart. She read the Bible daily and shared Jesus with a gentleness most couldn’t resist. Leisa lived her testimony. She saw the best in everyone and had overwhelming compassion for every creature that had breath. Leisa enjoyed gardening, working on the farm (Dean Farms Produce), cooking, and playing the piano. Grandchildren were the center of the universe for Leisa, and she celebrated every one of their accomplishments. Christmas was her favorite holiday as she celebrated the birth of her Savior. She stood in awe and wonder each time she witnessed new life on the farm. Known as Mama, Nana Leisa, Nonnie, Sister, “Miss” Dean, and “Miss” Leisa to many, her impact was far reaching, and her legacy of love is unmatched.

Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Richard Dean; her children, Ric & Dia Dean of Cordele, Carrie & Aaron Peralta, and Carla & Michael Sanford all of Bainbridge; her grandchildren, Maddie, Maelee, Mary-Richard, Margo, Fatima, Levi, and Rachel; her mother, Florence Carter of Tifton; and her twin brother, Lesley Kinchen and his wife, Jane, of Watkinsville; and a host of extended family. Leisa was preceded in death by her father, Carlton Matthew Kinchen; her sister, Gretta Mae Kinchen; and her best dog, Angel.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)