Elizabeth (Dean) Brinkley Schultz

July 19, 1930 to July 24, 2024

Elizabeth (Dean) Brinkley Schultz was born on July 19, 1930 in Norfolk, VA.

Born to Wilma Ann Susan Parker and Ottley Paul Brinkley, Dean grew up in Harbinger, Currituck County, NC where she attended Elizabeth City High School. Following graduation, she attended secretarial school and then moved across the country, working in both San Francisco and San Diego.

It was in San Diego that Dean met a Naval officer (Earl E. Schultz) on  St. Patrick's Day blind date. Ed and Dean were engaged within weeks and married in months (December 22, 1956), beginning a life full of travel, military life, family growth and rich relationships.

Dean treasured her time as a Navy spouse, living in Japan (Sasebo), California (Coronado and San Pedro), Virginia (Virginia Beach), Rhode Island (Newport), Hawaii (Aiea) and Washington (Keyport and University Place). Following Ed's retirement in 1981, the family returned to their home in University Place, WA, where Dean lived until her passing. A gifted administrator, Dean worked in office positions in Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest, spending the majority of her professional life serving the North Kitsap School District as a para-educator with kids with special needs and as a clerk in the district office. All who served alongside Dean knew her to be organized, reliable, caring and positive.

Following Ed's death in 1985, and Dean's eventual work retirement, she occupied her time by enjoying her adult children, caring for her grandchildren and serving through the Mount Cross Lutheran Quilters group. She was a deeply caring and supportive mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a beautiful person in every way possible.

Dean was preceded in death by the love of her life, Cmdr. Earl E. Schultz, retired; her mother, Wilma Ann Susan Lovette; her father, Ottley Paul Brinkley; and her brother, Wendell Hartley.

She is survived by her children (and spouses), Katie (John), Eddie (Natalie), Gail (Steven), Jonathan (Janet); her grandchildren, Ryley (Shala), Hannah (Alex), Erika, Kaelyn, Bronte, Zachary, Edward, Karsyn; and her great-grandchildren, Nathan, Ruby, August, Ava, Parker and Wynn.

As we celebrate the life and grieve the passing of Elizabeth (Dean) Schultz, we ask that any donations be made to the Mount Cross Lutheran Church Quilters, 8902 40th St W, University Place, WA 98466.