Lena Lue Dean Staton, 98, of Waco, died peacefully in her home Friday, April 27, 2018 after a brief illness with her children and her closest friend at her side.
Graveside Service: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Oakwood Cemetery, 2124 South 5th Street, in Waco with The Rev. Raymond Joe Waldon, Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, officiating.
Lena was born September 2, 1919 in Waco, one of eleven children of Dr. Jesse Judge Dean and Jessie Trice Dean. She attended Dean Highland and West Junior and graduated from Waco High in 1936 and entered Texas Women’s University to study Home Economics.
In 1942, she and Luther Staton, Jr., who was serving in the U.S. Army at the time, were married on June 22 at her parents’ home at 31st and Maple Avenue. She and Luther enjoyed traveling, looking in on their farms, and participating in local church and Shrine events. The Deans were members of the First Baptist Church of Waco. Following her marriage, Lena became a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where she served on the Altar Guild and worked in programs for children and youth. Lena led Campfire and Cub Scout troops and was active in P.T.A. She was a long-time member of the Waco Garden Forum and was expert in the culture of orchids, iris, ferns, and bromeliads.
Lena was preceded in death by three infant siblings; by her husband; and by her brothers, Jack, Jerry Lee and William Berry Dean, M.D.; and by her sisters; Lida Flurry, Anna Belle McClellan Williams, Dorothy Field, Carrie Walsh, Marjorie (Monnie) Stegar and Margaret Dean Turner.
Lena is survived by a sister, Helen Louise Dean of Cedar Lake; her daughter, Melanie Schonier of Dallas; and son, J. L. Staton, III, of Waco; grandchildren, Terry, Wesley, Andrea, and Paul; great-grandchildren, Lena Marie, Rose, Bella, Staton, and Dean; several dear nieces and nephews; and her long-time and very special friend, Lucille Thomas, for whose kindness and friendship the family is especially grateful.
The family would also like to thank Bluebonnet Hospice nurses and caregivers Carolyn, Amber, Regan, Charmayne, Honor, Savannah, and Sandra.
In lieu of floral arrangements, memorials in her memory may be directed to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 515 Columbus Avenue, Waco, TX 76701
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Place of Service: Oakwood Cemetery , 2124 S.5th St.; Waco, TX 76706
Print Obituary & Condolences
Dear Family of Lena Staton,
Please know the Bluebonnet Hospice Family is thinking of you all and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
May God bless and keep you,
The Owners and Staff of Bluebonnet Health Services (Hospice)
Prayers and condolences from the Klatt family.
We lived across the street from her in the 70’s and we ADORED exploring her greenhouses and home. My brother John and I always left with a plant of some sort! She and my mother became good friends and even after we grew up, we’d go to visit her “new” home, thoroughly enjoying all her antiques and glorious orchids. She was a tremendously generous and gifted woman. Melanie, my sincere sympathy on your loss.
We were next door neighbors on Cobbs Drive from 1977 until she moved to the family home on Chateau Avenue. She was so sweet & caring – more like another grandmother to my children. I am so sorry for your loss & will keep you all in my prayers.
My husband Todd and I have so loved getting to know Mrs. Staton these last 10 years she was our next door neighbor. She took me on many tours of her green house. I even had the 6th grade class from the school where I teach come out to explore her garden and draw nature sketches of the specimens! I loved Mrs. Staton’s spunk and the stories she told me about who used to live in our house long ago. Luther and Melanie, we grieve with you and also rejoice with you in her life well lived. Todd and Carolyn Still
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mrs. Staton was such a treasure. I enjoyed seeing her beautiful orchids and learning about her many antiques.
I so wish that I could be there with you to honor the life of “Mama Lena”. I know she will be sorely missed. My love and prayers to all of the family. Special love for my good friend Melanie, and her children Andrea and Paul.