Priscilla "Dean" Averitte was born April 6, 1937 in Dallas, TX, to William H. and Nora M. (Foster) Averitte. The family moved to Oklahoma City in 1940, where Dean graduated from Putnam City High School and attended Oklahoma City University. She married George I. Lunsford on June 23, 1958, and they "renewed their option" every six months for 64 years until his death in 2023. They were loving parents to two daughters and were known as "Mommy and Daddy 2" to several of their daughters' friends.

Dean loved children, especially her grandson, Seth, and her favorite charities were those that help children. She was a lifetime member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and served in many capacities including Sunday School and Bible School teacher, Children's Moment presenter in the worship service, and choir member. She and George joined Western Oaks Christian Church in 2008. Dean was a talented needlework artist, managing Odd Moments needlework shop at Crossroads Mall for several years, and she pieced over 250 quilts for Infant Crisis Services. She also loved birds, flowers, and photography, and sent hundreds of handmade birthday cards to friends and family. She was an avid crossword puzzle fan and never missed an episode of "The Young and the Restless" if she could help it. She provided a strong moral compass for the family, with a keen sense of honesty and integrity that she lived by example.

Dean is survived by her daughters, Lisa Lunsford and Donna Nevel; grandson, Seth Nevel and wife Laura; sisters, Margaret Lawson and Carole Walser; brother, James "Bud" Averitte; and her best friend of 75 years, Carol Robbins Johnston.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George; and son-in-law, Jeffrey Nevel.

Viewing will be on Friday, November 21, from noon to 8 p.m., with family present from 6 to 8 p.m., at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service, 3925 N. Asbury in Bethany.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 24 at 10 a.m. at Western Oaks Christian Church, 8100 NW 23, Oklahoma City, OK. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park's Cremation Garden will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Western Oaks Christian Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.