Parvez Samuel Dean

Parvez 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