Our parents, Elton and Ruby Deanes, believed education opened doors. They hoped all seven of us would earn college degrees. Our father often said he wanted us to "push nothing heavier than a pencil." Their dream came true for their children, eleven grandchildren, and their oldest great-grandchild.

Because of our parents' dream, all seven of us graduated from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Six attended Jackson State University in Jackson, MS, and one went to LeMoyne-Owen College (Memphis). 

The Deane's descendants have attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Washington University School of Law, LeMoyne-Owen, Maryville University, Tennessee State University, Indiana University, Freed-Hardeman University, Mercer University, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Rhodes College, University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Vanderbilt University, Fisk University, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Belmont University, and Austin Peay State University.