Dean Lambert Smith was born, raised, and educated in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. For over 25 years, she has served in various positions in the United Methodist Church such as Director of Music, Children, and Youth Activities and is currently Minister of Music at Oak Grove UMC. She also taught music and dance in the Hattiesburg and Forrest County public school systems. Smith received her formal musical training with a BMEd and also her MATL degree at the University of Southern Mississippi where she currently is an instructor in the English Language Institute. Dean is married to Eddie Smith and has three daughters.