Jill Batchelder Dean suffered a cardiac event and died suddenly at home in the early hours of Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Born to Janet and Guy Batchelder in 1967, Jill grew up the middle child in a loving home in Starkville, Mississippi. At the age of six she began taking horseback riding lessons, and a lifelong relationship with equestrian sports began. She trained and competed as a teenager and began coaching other riders as a college student. Jill never found the same passion or discipline for college that she had for horses, and after years of coaching more than going to class, she determined that Floral Management was the quickest way to a degree. After graduating from Mississippi State University in 1997, she worked briefly as a floral manager for Kroger.

It was around that time that mutual friends introduced Jill to Steve Dean. Everyone knew they’d be perfect for each other, and while she thought he was cute, she said he just couldn’t be taken seriously with his Shoney’s Big Boy haircut. For the next three decades, Jill would laugh uproariously while telling the story of how she met her beloved husband. Turns out, Steve was perfect for her, and for nearly 28 years, they were life partners, business partners, and loving parents to their son, Cooper. Jill was the answer to her mother-in-law’s prayers, and she created not only a warm and welcoming home – the gathering spot for summer cookouts and family Thanksgivings -- but a thriving business and rich community of friends and horse family around her.

After marrying in 1998, Jill and Steve settled in Fayette, Alabama, bought a few acres, and established Hunter Creek Stables. After her day job (and almost every weekend), Jill taught lessons in the field behind her house and began to build her reputation as a riding instructor and horse trainer. Rows of ribbons expanded through the house, and plaques adorned the walls. Over the next decade, Hunter’s Creek received numerous accolades, and Jill was named the Alabama Hunter Jumpers Association’s Coach of the Year 8 times in her career.

In 2012 Jill transferred her skills and experience to the Birmingham area, where she had continued success and founded Dean Equestrian. For years, Jill split her weeks between Birmingham and Fayette, but in 2020, she and Steve sold their home, moved into a small bardomenium in Sterrett, and began looking forward to their golden years. They bought a lakeside property and planned to build a house, and just last month, Jill was granted the ‘r’ Jumper status as Licensed Official of the U.S. Equestrian Federation. A life-long career in equestrian sports was certainly her dream come true.

While Jill achieved tremendous success in her career, her greatest joy was her son, Cooper. She loved her boy to the moon and back, which gave him roots. But when his skills eclipsed hers, she also gave him wings. Jill absolutely treasured her time with Cooper and Steve and worked hard to make every moment with them special and memorable, from Christmas traditions to her annual birthday slideshows.

Jill knew how – and did not hesitate – to give constructive criticism. In her coaching and in her personal life, she was straightforward, never afraid to speak her mind, and didn’t put up with crap. You always knew what Jill Dean thought, because she either told you to your face or put it on Facebook. And while she didn’t mince words, she used them carefully and compassionately. When she felt compelled to speak (and she often did), it was never to tear down another person. It was always an effort to make something or someone better.

In the horse ring, as well as in life, Jill set a high bar, but she gave her students everything they needed to hit the mark. All the ribbons, trophies, and accolades will never compare to the real-life relationships with hundreds of riders over the decades who have been coached, challenged, and encouraged by Jill Dean. In recent years, it was her distinct joy to watch her students mature into adults, start careers, and have children of their own. Her horse family – not just student riders, but parents and horse professionals across the Southeast – is deep and wide.

What words can’t quite capture is Jill’s spirit. Her particular brand of spunkiness. The distinct sparkle of her piercing, clear blue eyes. The mischievousness of her smile, as if she were dying to tell you a secret. Her laughter, so loud and jovial that you can’t help but giggle along with her. The way that when she said, “I love you,” you know she meant it. How did we always know that, deep inside, her fragile heart was made of gold?

Jill Batchelder Dean was preceded in death by her mother, Janet Batchelder. She is survived by her husband, Steve Dean; son, Cooper Dean; father, Guy Batchelder; sister, Kristen Partin (Wesley); brother, William “Batch” Batchelder (Holly); and many loving nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Usrey Funeral Home – Pell City from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to either the Susan G. Komen Foundation (www.komen.org) or to the Alabama Hunter Jumper Association (www.alabamahunterjumpers.org).

Condolences may be offered online at www.usreyfuneralhome.com.

Usrey Funeral Home – Pell City is assisting the family.