Obituary of Patricia Ruth Dean Muldrow

As the cherry blossoms fall from the trees in Spring, Patricia Ruth Dean-Muldrow, at the golden age of 83, fell into eternal rest surrounded by family on April 7, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland. She was a fierce mother, doting grandmother, dedicated sister, favorite aunt, proud veteran, and loyal friend — known for her contagious laughter, great sense of humor, and strong faith in God. She lived life out loud - boldly - while laughing every step of the way. On a hot, sticky summer day Patricia was born on August 6, 1941, at Baltimore City hospital to the late Walter Raleigh Dean Sr. and Ruth Alston Dean, the fifth child of ten children. She was a devoted daughter, full of love and respect for her parents, and she maintained a deep bond with all of her siblings. She loved each of them and kept in close contact with them — some, every single day. The connection they shared throughout the years was strong. Smart and sassy, Pat, as she was affectionately known, was educated in the Baltimore City Public School system, attending Cherry Hill (#159) and James Mosher (#144) Elementary Schools. With the decision of Brown vs. Board of Education in 1954, she became one of the first six students of color to integrate School #91, Gwynns Falls Junior High. She continued her education at Western High School, attending every reunion for 50 plus years with her dear classmates. After high school, she attended the Community College of Baltimore, earned a Bachelor's Degree from Southern Illinois University, and a Master's Degree from Coppin State University in 1993. She strongly believed that you should never stop learning. To her, education was a key to life and seeking knowledge as a means to personal freedom "that no one could take away from you." From a young age, Pat showed immense talent and a vibrant spirit. She played both the flute and clarinet in her school band. She was a natural athlete who loved to swim, play basketball, volleyball, badminton and table tennis. She could be found dancing any time music was being played. She had a hidden talent of drawing and painting and happily displayed one of her last art pieces at her granddaughter's dessert shop, Ice Queens, in South Baltimore. Her energy and joy were contagious, and she embraced every opportunity to grow and shine. Pat was never one to sit still — she was also a plus-sized model with Flair Modeling and Dance Studio, and in 1982, she was crowned Ms. Lush and Lovely Baltimore. She and her daughter, Melanie, even took adult tap dance classes together, performing at community events and festivals like AFRAM — building joyful memories that still bring smiles. Pat accepted Christ early in life at Memorial Baptist Church, later attending Wayland Baptist Church when her family moved to West Baltimore, and was a devoted member of Rising Sun First Baptist Church for 33 years. She joyfully sang in the church choir and was a proud member of the Pauline Wells Lewis Legacy Mass Choir. Her love for singing was not just a gift — it was her ministry and passion. She could always be found bursting into song. Some of her favorites were "I Just Called" by Stevie Wonder, the classic hymn "The Solid Rock", and "I Won't Complain". In 1972, Patricia proudly joined the United States Army, where she rose to the rank of Sergeant and served honorably for 10 years. Her military career was decorated with Army Commendations and Awards, a reflection of her leadership, excellence, and deep sense of duty. After her service, she trained in Human Services and Family Counseling, and worked at a domestic violence center in Howard County and as a family counselor at Echo House in Baltimore City. Even in retirement, she stayed active with part-time work at the Loch Raven Veterans Hospital, as a substitute teacher, and taking lunch orders at a sandwich shop. She also volunteered at Northwest Hospital and the VA Medical Center. She had a strong work ethic and fondly reminisced about working at Westinghouse and the "factory that made frozen blueberry pancakes". In her words, she "never wanted a job, per se", so she "worked short times and quit each one". In 1974, Patricia married Edward James Muldrow. When her daughter, Melanie Renée, was born, she found the joy and purpose of her life. Pat's love for Melanie was strong and adamant and she worked every day to instill in her daughter a strong foundation of faith, work-ethic and pride. She was a very proud grandmother to Dasia, her entrepreneur, who brought her endless delight and "a new zest for life", and Noah Henry, her "drummer and miracle grandson" who loved "his granny with his heart". Her son-in-law, Issa Raymond, was "the son she always wanted" and she "loved him to death". She jokingly called him her "outlaw" and looked forward to his weekly visits every Monday night. In her later years, she talked with her older sister Annette and sent text exchanges with her sister Sonia, daily. She shared an especially close bond with her youngest brother, Ransom Dean — her lifelong partner in silly adventures, heartfelt talks, and spirited debates. Even into their 80s, they playfully argued about who got whom into trouble the most as kids. Pat was affectionately known as "Auntie Pat" to her 26 nieces and nephews — that continued into the next 2 generations — all of whom knew they were deeply loved. She was deliberate and intentional about building relationships with them. Lynda, Lynette, Lynell, and Monica held an extra special place in her heart and never failed to bring her laughter and light. They were truly her first "daughters!" Those to whom she brought the most joy and will remember her with the greatest fondness are: her daughter, Melanie Renee Kabia, her son-in-love, Issa "Ray" Raymond Kabia, Jr., granddaughter Dasia De'Anna Kabia and her grandson, Noah Henry Kabia. She is survived by her sisters: Annette Hart, Sonia Wells, Delores Prout, Gloria Rolling, Janice Rice; her brother, Ransom Dean; her cherished aunt, Yvonne Dean Harvey; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her brothers Walter Dean Jr. and Paul Dean as well as her sister Carolyn Holt. Pat was a fantastic friend as evident by her life-long friendships, many of whom remained close to her for over 50, 60, and even 70 years. She was a wise advisor, trustworthy and someone who showed up for others without hesitation. Her vacations were often spent surrounded by her military family — loyal companions who shared her stories, her laughter, and her heart. Of note, school friends: Shirley Clinton, Violet Baxter, Barbara Mister and Lidya Foy; special friends Barbara Anderson, Pat Briscoe, Pat DeShields; military friends: Lisa Dubois, Mary Woods, Beverly Hollimon, Marilyn Reeves, Gwen Hendly, Charlie McMillan; and church friends: Shelly, Olivette, Rosa, Olivia. Patricia had the most contagious, deep-down-in-your-belly laugh — the kind that filled a room and stayed with you. There was never a dull moment with her. She didn't just go to parties to have fun; she was the fun. She could make a friend in any room she walked into, and everyone who met her left with a smile and a story. She absolutely loved life — her family, her faith, her music, her people. She often said she was "born at the right time in history," and her life was a testament to that belief — full of resilience, hard work, and legacy. "I lived a good life, I had fun — and I'm grateful." — Patricia Ruth Dean-Muldrow A private military burial will be held on April 21, 2025, at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at The Greater Baltimore Church in Gwynn Oak, Maryland, from 12-2p where all are welcome to join in honoring her extraordinary life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children's Cancer Foundation, in memory of Patricia's generosity and her grandson's cancer journey.