Gillian Renea Deans' Obituary
GILLIAN (with a soft G) RENEA DEANS came into this world on November 4, 1999, in Plano, Texas. She passed away on May 12, 2026, age 26, surrounded by her mother and father, Kimberly and Steven and family.
Despite facing incredible medical challenges from birth, Gillian taught everyone around her the true meaning of resilience and joy. She was a bright spark and though she had many difficult times, she has left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Gillian was left-handed, and if you got close to her, get ready to get pulled into a head lock hug!
Gillian’s parents are beyond grateful for the many doctors, nurses, therapists and other caregivers who all were so compassionate in caring and serving her many needs. Therapies she enjoyed for years were Equestrian Therapy, Aqua Therapy and Music Therapy. She attended school in Plano for 16 years and even received a High School Diploma!
Gillian loved so much in this world, from music to movies, all things Disney, with Ariel being her favorite. Her favorite colors were pink and purple. She loved all animals, especially her two cats, Stitch and Rue. Gillian loved hugs, and kisses but don’t touch her hair! So many people loved her frequent smile which of course lit up any room. In younger years, Gillian was able to vocalize and say “HI’, and even a few times, “I love you!” She was a gentle soul, who loved Jesus, and would get very excited at church or anywhere when she heard praise and worship music. She embodied Christ’s love and shared it freely with everyone around her. Through caring for Gillian, Steven and Kimberly were also able to plant seeds in many others minds to bring people to His Kingdom.
Her favorite Musician was Laurie Berkner, and she was able to SEE Laurie THREE TIMES LIVE! More recently, Gillian has enjoyed her TONIBOX which plays music and stories through characters from Disney to Sesame Street. Her favorite Toni was the one SHE helped record with her wonderful Music Therapist. Gillian always had BLING with her; in her bed, in Day room, in her van, at any appointments or hospitalizations. BLING was her comfort, her security. She also enjoyed getting dressed up and attended North Texas Angel Pageant and The Special Needs PROM for many years.
Gillian is survived by her father and mother Steven and Kimberly Deans, her grandmother Mary Ann Deans, Aunts and Uncles: Kathleen and Rick Camarillo, Kelly Moses, Katherine and Paul Evanson, Greg and Amy Deans, Cousins: Micia and Jeremy Mosley, Brandon and Travis Warren, Michelle Lynn, Maggie and Jesus Martinez, Kelly Marie and Cary Bakak, Daniel Moses, Brook Camarillo, Deans Cousins: Isaac, Forest, Grace, Jesse, Kendall, Nathan, Lynlee, Mitchell.
Gillian also had her Family supporting and loving her since birth including The Martins, The Cates and The Friedrichs. Framily get togethers were THE BEST!
Gillian is preceded in death by grandparents Daniel and Eileen Moses, and James Deans. Gillian has also joined her twin brother, Adam in Heaven. She is now with many of her special needs friends who preceded her in death celebrating with Jesus.
Gillian Renea’s Celebration of Life will be on May 30, 2026 at CARE Church, 1504 E. Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas, 75081. Following the service, Gillian will be laid to rest at Restland Cemetery, at 13005 Greenville Ave. Dallas, Texas, 75243
The family has asked for the Celebration to be casual attire with a preference of Pink, Purple and of course DISNEY!!!!!!!
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to JourneyFEST a local organization that supports Special Needs children and their families.
JourneyFEST
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/U52XN6ELBB3US
Or mail a check to:
2102 Winterstone Dr. Plano, TX 75023
Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I CHOSE YOU.
Jeremiah 1:5
What’s your fondest memory of Gillian?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gillian?
Share a story where Gillian's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gillian you’ll never forget.
How did Gillian make you smile?

