Sarah Dean

Sarah Virginia Dean-Burton, 47, of Elbert, West Virginia, passed away Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, at CAMC Memorial in Charleston, West Virginia, of complications from a long illness. She was born in Princeton, WV, on December 20, 1977, the daughter of the late Hayes and Ima Jean (Myers) Dean. Sarah was the beloved wife of William (BJ) Burton, though she still used Dean as her last name. She joked that she wasn't sure she liked BJ enough to change it to Burton. In addition to her parents, Sarah was preceded in death by a sister, Drena "Gail" Dean-Bailey, a brother, Roger Dean, and two nephews, Robert "Robbie" Dean and Mark Bailey.

Survivors include: husband, William (BJ) Burton of Elbert, WV. Two special "sisters": Karen (Bailey) and Joe Vanover of Panther, and Joni Belcher of Elbert. Aunt Helen Dean-Hendricks, Uncle (Daddy) Jack Wise, Cousins; Faith George, Bobby Wise, Jackie (Sissy) Wise-Mills, Danielle Bailey, 3 Nieces; Tina Lester, Lorrie (Brian Scott) Edward's and Felicia Gauger. 5 Nephews; Scottie Branham, Walter "Travis" Mullins, Hunter Vanover, French and Danny Bailey. A host of grand nieces and nephews, whether she was related to them or not. Sarah was Aunt Sarah to them all! They include Hailey and Karson Edwards and a special nephew, Joshua Michael Wheeler.

Sarah and BJ are, and were, the proud parents and Aunt and Uncle to several generations of fur babies of all types, colors, and sizes.

Sarah has worked at Dish Network, McDowell County 911 as a Dispatcher, Stevens Correctional Center as a Correctional Officer, a driver for PTI, and an end-of-life caregiver to her beloved mother, mother-in-law, as well as her grandmother-in-law. Sarah was also affiliated with both 405 Gary and 495 Anawalt Volunteer Fire Departments, sometimes whether she wanted to be or not. She often found herself volunteering to help with paperwork, reports, and fundraisers.

Sarah's biggest hobbies were reading and coloring! She was involved on TikTok in the Coloring Community. In the words of her friend, Sara Brooks, "SHE WAS A COLOR PENCIL NINJA ". She loved gnomes, mandals, and anything spooky.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 26th, 2025, at 11 am at the Long Point Baptist Church, 4121 Anawalt Ridge Rd, Anawalt, WV 24808.

Sarah's family is requesting that anyone who is able to please make a donation toward the cost of her cremation. There is a link on the Elk Funeral & Cremation Service website under her obituary.

Elk Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to be assisting Sarah's family at this time.