Parvez Samuel Dean
March 15, 1943 ~ August 13, 2025
Born in:
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailParvez Samuel Dean, a devoted educator, community leader, and man of deep Christian faith, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, in Durham, North Carolina, at the age of 82.
Born on March 15, 1943, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, to Samuel Jacob Imam-ud-din and Kathleen Mercy Buck, Parvez Dean’s life was defined by his unwavering commitment to education, faith, and service. A scholar of English literature and a gifted teacher, he spent decades shaping minds and hearts, first as a professor of English at Forman Christian College in Lahore and later as a professor and Academic Coordinator within the Beaconhouse School System. His passion for language and learning left an indelible mark on generations of students.
Beyond the classroom, Parvez Dean was a steadfast leader in the Christian community in Pakistan, faithfully serving the Lord in numerous roles throughout his life. His integrity, wisdom, and compassion earned him the respect and love of many who sought his guidance and fellowship and he continued his work after moving to the United States where he served on Arden Presbyterian Church’s Missions Faith Promise board. His life of prayer continued until the very end, as he prayed for and blessed every doctor, nurse and hospital staff member he encountered, right up to his final moments.
Parvez was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Nargis Phyllis Dean, and by their children: Ephraim Samuel Dean (Wendy), Sehr Rachel Dean, and Abraham Faheem Dean. He also leaves behind three cherished grandchildren: Attia Marie Dean, Neriya Yasmine Dean, and Mikial Samuel Dean, who brought him immense joy in his later years. He is also survived by his brother Gulraiz Albert Dean, and preceded in death by siblings Dilawaiz Dean and Nillofur Zobairi, whose memories remained close to his heart.
A public viewing and visitation will be held at 12:00 PM on August 23rd at Arden Presbyterian Church, 2215 Hendersonville Rd, Arden, NC 28704 followed by the funeral service at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow at Calvary Episcopal Church Cemetery, 2840 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, NC 28732. A dinner reception will be held afterward at Arden Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Arden Presbyterian’s Missions Faith Promise, a ministry Parvez deeply believed in and served faithfully. Donations can be made online at: https://www.ardenpres.org/give-online
Services
The Family Will Greet Friends: August 23, 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Arden Presbyterian Church
2215 Hendersonville Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)684-7221
Funeral Service: August 23, 2025 1:00 pm
Arden Presbyterian Church
2215 Hendersonville Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)684-7221
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
He left us and went to his lord for eternal peace.i share my deep sorrow on his sad demise.praying for his family ,children and all relatives and friends to bear this family loss strongly.
May the departed soul rest in peace.amen.
Correction- Wise Counsel….
The dean family, previous and current generations, continue to bless my Davis family. It began right after partition when Carl & Agnes Davis lived at Gordon College and connected with the Immamudin family. It carried on when Uncle Pervez gifted the TEAM family with leadership on Boards and his wife, Dr Phullis blessed many with her medical skills at Taxila. Mary and I have been blessed by Grandma Immamudin on the Education Board for ACGHS. The next generation shines bright in Sehr – the amazing young lady who continues to bless us even in our ministry today in Uganda. We rise up and say Thanks to God for this family who continue to shine for Jesus. We pray for God’s comfort for all.
Through church we’ve been blessed to know and befriend Parvez and Phyllis, as well as by teaching their grandchildren. We enjoy sharing tea and a mutual interest in missions—their desire to see all nations reached for Christ is evident. They have been very encouraging to our family and to me as I pursue advanced studies. We will miss Parvez very much.
What a nice and great man of God , he was an educationalist, great leader, husband and father.
He served his life very faithfully for the Growth of church, we will miss him years and years 💓
now that he is RIP in our heavenly father .
Praying for all of his family 🙏.
During his illness I was so touched by his passion to share Jesus with everyone who crossed his path whether it be hospital staff ,family or friends, he wouldn’t say bye to them without praying for them and blessing them. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. Hugs to all the family.
My brother who was called Deany, would greet his friends worldwide over the phone on their birthdays by personaly singing “Happy birthday” to them.
Sadly Parvez will be missed, but we thank God for his life and the blessings he gave to him. Also we hope to carry on his Legacy.
A great soul has passed away. Friendly , smiling, kind , consoling, full of humor and wit. A great sportsman too. Apart from excelling in academics and teaching in prestigious institution as FCC. Such was my friend Deany as he was fondly known. May he rip 🙏 amen. Condolences to family.
Good bye, Dear Old Friend Deany. You were a wonderful friend, warm hearted, genuine, honest and caring. I shall always cherish fond memories of our days in Gordon College and U.P. Church, Rawalpindi. I loved when you came to America, and would often call over the phone to reminisce our days of teens and then adult lives at and around Gordon College. When I left F.C. College for Canada, you took my place at F.C. College and I regret that we did not have the time to be fellow professors. Over the years, you stayed in touch and warmed my life and heart with your friendship and Christian Fellowship. You were stout and steadfast in your faith in God and your love of Jesus Christ whom you boldly served and became an active and enduring witness. Rest in Peace Deany Dear. You will be always missed.
Parvez was a dear friend and fellow laborer with me in the ministry of Zarephath Bible Institute, now Seminary. He joined the board of ZBI during a difficult period of its history and then played a pivotal role as Chairman for many years. His support, friendship, and wise counsel were a great encouragement to me. His facility in languages was nonpareil. When I see him in glory, I expect to greet him as I have for nearly three decades: “Han Jee, Chairman Sahib!”
Rest in Peace beloved friend, student and son.
Yunis Wahab
Phyllis and Family
We are so saddened by the loss of Pervez. We feel so blessed by having Pervez as part of our lives. We are so sorry that we are out of town and not present but so Thankful for the ability of the live stream. We pray for the memories of the wonderful life together will help with the sorrow that you have. God’s grace and mercy to you and family
Dear Phyllis and family
I am so saddened by Deany’s passing away.Just a few days ago we were talking and he was very happy that he was getting better.We were childhood friends and lived on the Gordon college campus and shared beautiful memories. He was a man of God and of very strong faith .RIP my dear friend
Yours in grief
Kuku Nasir.
Dear Phyllis and family, our deepest condolences on your loss. I have very fond memories of Deeny from Gordon college. About two years ago he called me on my birthday, and before even wishing me, starting singing Happy Birthday! His younger brother dilawez (tutu) was a great buddy of mine.
May he rest in peace.
Gene Nasir. Portland, Oregon
Till we meet again
Tony and Tingi Nasir
Dear Dr. Phyllis and Family, we are saddened at the passing away of one of my favourite teachers. He will always be fondly remembered as a wonderful teacher and someone who lived out his faith on the campus. Thanking God for his life and testimony. Rest assured of our prayers for you as a family at this time. May all of us be comforted knowing that we will meet again. May God’s peace be with you. Bishop Azad and Lesley Marshall.
Dr. Phyllis and family, I am so sorry to hear of your beloved husband’s passing. I have such rich and fond memories of him at ZBS board meetings, adding his wisdom gleaned from years of experience in relationships and in institutions. It was a privilege to sit with him, pray with him, know of his deep investment in Christian institutions in Pakistan and his deep love for the Lord Jesus. May the hope of the resurrection be yours as you mourn his passing.
Heartfelt condolences to the family. May he rest in eternal peace. He left us and went to our heavenly father. Deany and I grew up together. Playing Tarzan and doing gymnastics. He was very good at walking on his hands. He has left a legacy. he was God loving person. Every time we talked on the phone, he would always end that with a prayer. Big loss to his family and friends. Love you Deany.
Dear Deany,
You are deeply missed. We grew up together on the Gordon College campus, and I carry such fond memories of those days—your spirited debates for the “Barr” or “Minerva” club, always beginning with your trademark line: “…according to the Encyclopedia Britannica,” spoken with such authority! I remember the evenings we sat on the hockey field, singing songs together, believing those moments would last forever. How precious those times were. I miss you dearly, Deany. Rest in peace—we will meet again.
With love,
Aslam