Joyce M Dedeaux

On February 28, 1945, I was born to the late Mose and Cortelyou (Fomby) Scott in Birmingham, Alabama. They fondly named me “Joyce Marie.” I was the tenth child in a loving family of five boys and four other girls. I am sure that my mother must have said, “This is it; I am finished!” Always treated like the baby of the family, most of the time, I had my way, especially with my father. You see, I was a “Daddy’s Girl,” and I could do no wrong. On the same day of graduating from Hooper City High School, in Sayreton, Alabama in 1962, I went to stay with family in Chicago to keep me from getting in trouble, and I lived in Chicago from 1962-1979 when I moved to Decatur, Georgia. In high school, I was extremely popular with the teachers and with my classmates. You see, all ten of the children in my family attended and graduated from the same school, so the school staff and students knew me very well. Everyone often referred to me as the little sister of one of my siblings. Eventually they learned that I had a name of my own - Joyce. Highly active in my school where I won or placed in oratorical contests, spelling bees, and social science fairs, I was also a majorette and a member of the following clubs: Drama, Red Cross, Debate, and Choir for four years. Committed to broadening my education, I received my bachelor’s degree from Chicago Teachers College in 1965 and my master’s degree from Chicago State University in 1973. I also earned other credits in the field of education beyond my masters, equivalent to a specialist degree in Georgia. While in school, I pledged Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. Starting my first year of teaching in 1966, I met William Dedeaux in January 1966. In June 1966, we were engaged and on August 14, 1966, we were married. He really swept me off my feet. It truly was love at first sight. Three years later, on May 2,1969, we had our first and only child, (William) Derek Dedeaux. William and I celebrated thirty- nine (39)I years together before Will made his transition on March 16, 2006. After moving to Georgia, I was hired by DeKalb County School System in various positions prior to being employed at Henderson Mill Elementary School in 1983 where I taught sixth and seventh grades. A year later, I became Media Specialist (librarian) and in May 2003, I retired from Henderson Mill Elementary School. During my professional career, I was honored to receive awards from many organizations for my dedicated and faithful service. I was Teacher-of-the Month and Media-Specialist-of-the-Year. I was also recognized nationally by Who’s Who in America and Outstanding Young Women of America. I received certificates and honors from Junior League of DeKalb County, Inc., DeKalb County School System Board of Technology, Georgia Council of Media Organizations, Boys and Girls Club of America (Youth-of-the-Year Program), and I received the Community Excellence Award. I also guided students to win reading bowls and various educational fairs from DeKalb Schools, Progressive National Baptist Conventions, and Mount Hermon Association. Additionally, I was a member of several professional organizations including Lifetime member of Georgia Association of Education, the National Geographic Society, the Southern Association of Supervision (SACS) that visited Walton County Schools, Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), and Georgia Library Media Association (GLMA). An advocate for reaching out to help others, especially young people, I always tried to achieve my passion of improving the lives of others through my work and membership in various organizations including NACCP, UNICEF, and other civic groups. After reading about me, my life, my accolades, you know much information about me, but the most important aspect of my life that I want you to remember is that I am a child of GOD. My relationship with God has priority over all my earthly involvement. I was baptized at an early age. My religious experience has been rich and rewarding. My membership at First Baptist Church has been an assessment of and a testament to my religious growth. I have been an active participant and a devout believer in the missions of First Baptist Church, and I have held many positions in the choir, from the office of president to the office of treasurer. Recently I served as president of Toast Masters International and president of the Christian Board of Christian Education. I heard my God say, “Well done my good and faithful servant. You have fought a good fight. You have kept the faith. Come join me in your eternal home.” I believe I will truly be missed for my dependable spirit, my winning smile, and my unconditional love. Living to cherish my memories are my loving Son: William Derek Dedeaux; Brother: Edward Scott; Sister-in-law: Margie Scott; Best Friends Forever: Donna (Herbert) Hill, Patricia Harris, Annie P. Williams, Catherine H. Turk, Dorothy Henson, Jackie Morris; Favorite Caregiver: Ebony Barnes; Night Caregiver: Celeste Jones; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loved ones. WORDS OF APPRECIATION The family of Joyce Marie Scott Dedeaux expresses sincere thanks and gratitude for the numerous kind gestures and many acts of support provided during this challenging time. Any and everything you said or did is appreciated. Joyce will be remembered for her kind smile, infectious sense of humor, and love of family, church, and friends. May the Lord continue to bless you.

Tributes

Joyce M Dedeaux

February 28, 1945 - April 18, 2024