Telson Dean was born on September 12, 1933, in Newton County to her late parents, Alvin Dean and Matilda Brook Dean. She was born into a family of seven siblings which included four boys and three girls, the late James Williams Dean, the late Jimmy "Jack" Dean, the late Betty Joe Dean Joiner, the late Florence Hawkins, and the late Elester "Sonny Boy" Dean, including two who are still present, Jessie James Dean of Newton, TX, and Bobbie-Jean Dean Harris of Houston, TX. She grew up in Newton County, Texas, in the Indian Hill community. She received her education in the Wiergate public school system. Telson accepted Christ at an early age where she was a member of Antioch Sanctified Church under the leadership of Elder Bolder. She went on and continued her walk with Christ under the leadership of Evangelist Columbus Morris.
Telson later met and married her loving husband of 50 years, Lester Warren, who preceded her in death as well. Telson leaves the family that God blessed her with in love and laughter: one daughter of Dallas, TX, Belva (Theovar) Gilford; two sons, Melvin (Clara) Warren and Robert Warren, who preceded her in death in Newton, TX; nine grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews whom she loved dearly.