::: Photo By Sequoya Robinson :::
In 2020, Henry County elected its first African American Sheriff. Alongside Sheriff Scandrett is his wife, Deidree who was instrumental in strategizing his campaign platform and efforts.
“When we were planning for my husband’s retirement from the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, I just didn’t see him being done. The years passed by so quickly. It was like we looked up and it was time for him to retire. Plus, the country was facing so much civil unrest because of all the police brutality. There was no way he could just ride off into the sunset and retire. I knew he had more to do”.
THE PLANNER
Diedree Scandrett embodies traditional Southern values and manners, with her gracious and charming demeanor. She cherishes her role as a mother and wife, and had always dreamed of starting a family.
“I’ve always wanted to be a mother and create a loving home for my family,” she says. “I’m proud of my husband’s achievements as Sheriff, and I’m grateful for our family and all the blessings we’ve received.”
Her passion for motherhood began at a young age, as she would write the names of her future children in her notebook. And when she got her first job at the age of 15, that notebook with the names grew to a list of household items needed. Each were placed into a hope chest. Overtime, that hope chest became a hope closet and the hope closet eventually became a hope attic. “By the time we married, we didn’t need a wedding registry because I’d already purchased everything”.
THE MOTHER
Mrs. Scandrett is a proud mother of four – two boys and two girls. She and her husband have always emphasized the importance of family to their children, and they strive to be transparent and supportive with them no matter what.
Her passion for motherhood began at a young age, as she would write the names of her future children in her notebook. And when she got her first job at the age of 15, that notebook with the names grew to a list of household items needed. Each were placed into a hope chest. Overtime, that hope chest became a hope closet and the hope closet eventually became a hope attic..
Each of the Scandrett children have achieved scholastic goals and are all well rounded human beings.
“Supporting our children is important to us, and we’re so proud of their accomplishments,” she says. “We want all our children to know that they have our love and support, and we’re always here for them.”
FAST FORWARD
After working since the age of 15, Diedree is now looking forward to “slowing down.” As an empty nester, she plans to take a break for six months and then travel and pursue her other passions.
“I have been a government employee for almost 30 years, and even though I love what I do, I am counting down the time,” she says.
HER CAUSE
Having supported her husband’s career throughout their entire marriage, Deidree has developed a strong passion for raising awareness about the devastating effects of domestic violence. She served on the domestic violence task force in DeKalb County and has recently teamed up with Haven House Domestic Violence Shelter and Program, a non-profit organization in Henry County, to fight against domestic abuse.
Domestic violence/abuse is a pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship where one person seeks to control and dominate the other. It can occur in any type of relationship, including intimate partners, family members, or housemates. The abuse can take many forms, including physical violence such as hitting, slapping, kicking, or choking, sexual violence, emotional or psychological abuse, financial abuse, and even stalking. These actions are often accompanied by verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation.
According to Deidree, domestic violence is a social ill that has a rippling and collateral effect on society. Many people do not realize that when a victim of domestic violence manages to escape from their abuser, the abuser often moves on to another victim. This means that the cycle of abuse is repeated. She believes that part of the solution is to find resources for the abuser to get the help they need in order to make better choices. “Hurt people hurt people, and they must be willing to get help. There is a responsibility to help them,” says Deidree.
By working with Haven House, Deidree hopes to provide resources and support to victims of domestic violence, as well as raise awareness about this issue in the community. She believes that everyone has a role to play in ending domestic violence by breaking the silence.
In her personal life, Deidree enjoys reading various materials and trying different cuisines. She also values moments of M.E. time as her own self-proclaimed mental and emotional wellness efforts.