Sandra Deal

EDITORS NOTE:

Shortly before this month’s issue went to press, Georgia lost former First Lady Sandra Deal, the wife of Governor Nathan Deal, who served from 2011 to 2019. As a former public school language arts teacher, Mrs. Deal considered herself a “forever learner,” and reading and literacy issues were key components of her public service activities.Quite notably, Mrs. Deal appeared at 800 schools and pre-K programs, reading to students in all of Georgia’s 159 counties and 181 school districts. On Nov. 30, 2018, she completed her 1,000th school visit, sharing her passion for books with kids.

CEO SPOTLIGHT

REMEMBERING FORMER FIRST LADY SANDRA DEAL

by GPB CEO Teya Ryan

She was exceptional, and I am sorry we have lost her. The former First Lady, Sandra Deal was one of the most gracious and kind people I have ever met. I was so lucky to have had the chance to meet with her many times over the course of the eight years of the Nathan Deal administration.

Sandra Deal completing her 1,000 school visit in 2018.

Then Gov. Nathan Deal and the first lady in 2013.

She was a lifelong teacher and was so supportive of all the work that GPB did with our digital educational programs. I remember she came to GPB for a presentation of our educational work, and we were told she could only give us a half-hour. She ended up staying for two hours, and she was so happy with what she saw. “Has Nathan seen this?,” she said. “No,” I replied. “Well, he has to come see this, and I know he has time,” she said.

The Governor is a busy guy, and I thought this was a kind thought from her, but I had no expectations. But darn if I did not get a call later that afternoon from Gov. Deal’s scheduler to set a time for him to visit GPB.

The power of a thoughtful and determined First Lady.

But that was not my first meeting with the First Lady. Early in her first term she invited me to tour the Governor’s Mansion. I had been there before, but somehow her down-to-earth enthusiasm made me see it as not just a historical statement, but a home. “Come on upstairs,” she said. She guided me upstairs to the private quarters. She pointed out the Governor’s favorite chair - the only piece of furniture she allowed him to bring from their private home.

I learned that day what a giving and fun spirit she had. She was always open for a hug, particularly if you were a child. And every time I met with her there was a smile on her face, and she looked me right in the eye

I will miss her very much, and what I will remember the most is her kindness. Blessing Mrs. Deal.