Dorothy Dean Ferguson Geiger died peacefully on July 19, 2018. She was born on July 5, 1925 to Eva Dean Howe and Rudolph Preston Ferguson at the old Sacred Heart Hospital on 12th Avenue in Pensacola, Florida.

Dorothy Dean attended public schools in Pensacola and graduated from Pensacola High School in 1943. Following graduation, she attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee and graduated in 1947 with a degree in psychology.

Dorothy Dean became a kindergarten teacher which she loved doing, as children were her main interest in life. She appeared as "The Story Time Lady" on a weekly children's radio program on WCOA in Pensacola. The last recorded program was called "The Chosen Baby."

An active member of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, Dorothy Dean served as President of Women of the Church, and opened her home for several events including the Christmas Caravan and the newcomers' reception.

Dorothy Dean was an original member of the Junior Service League which later became the Junior League of Pensacola. She enjoyed working in the Thrift Shop, and in 2015, was awarded Sustainer of the Year for her years of volunteer work. She believed that "service to others is the rent you pay for your place on earth."

She enjoyed volunteering with Children's Home Society, where she served as President and enjoyed transporting children to fun community events including the Interstate Fair and Monsanto. Dorothy Dean was also a member of Impact 100 Pensacola Bay Area.

In the Florida Medical Auxiliary, Dorothy Dean served as Vice President of the Northwest Florida region, and because of her participation, she became acquainted with many fine doctors' wives all over the state.

After the death of her husband Eric, Dorothy Dean moved to Azalea Trace Retirement Community to make new friends and to keep active. For entertainment, she enjoyed playing in bridge club and poker club and meeting long-time friends for lunch.

Dorothy Dean was preceded in death by her loving husband of 37 years, Dr. Eric F. Geiger; her parents; her step-father, Dr. Joseph E. Payne; her sister, Jan Ferguson May; her daughter, Jan Hilton-Green, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Courtenay Hilton-Green (Mandy); son, Eric F. Geiger, Jr. (Jennifer); daughter, Holly Geiger Thommes (Billy) and daughter, Sally Geiger Nail (Doug). Her grandchildren include Ginny Lynn Mantz (Eric), Amanda Tanner, William Tanner (Cherrish), Liam Henderson Hilton-Green, Eric F. Geiger III, Ethan F. Geiger, Emily Nail Johnstone (Kyle), and Samuel Geiger Nail. Great grandchildren include Keleb, Kyler, Porsha, Paxton, Lakelynne, Eric, Ethan, Moses and Skyi. She is also survived by a special cousin, Roberta Traxler Hurston; two dear friends, Tony Schachle and Donna Sanders, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Dorothy Dean leaves a legacy of love, grace, gratitude and forgiveness always guided by her faith in God.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, July 28, 2018 at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church with a reception following in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, 3200 N.12th Ave., Pensacola, FL 32503 or to a charity of your choice.

The family is very grateful for the loving care given to Dorothy Dean by Renay Jones; Sashella Jones; Azalea Trace staff, nurses and aides and Emerald Coast Hospice.