Dee was born in Laurens County, Georgia in 1965. She grew up in Cochran and graduated from Bleckley County High School in 1983.

After high school, Dee attended Middle Georgia College and earned an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. During this time, she had several jobs and worked as Magistrate Court Clerk for Bleckley County. She went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Mercer University College, a Master’s of Education degree from Georgia Southwestern State University, and is currently working towards a Ph.D. in Education from Capella University. Dee plans to complete this degree by September, 2006.

As an educator, Dee taught at Perry Middle School for five years. She has also been an adjunct faculty member of Mercer University College and Middle Georgia College (Dublin Campus) for a combined total of 8 years. She taught one year for the Heart of Georgia Technical College, helping childcare teachers earn their Child Development Associate’s degree.

In 1997, Dee founded Great Beginnings Kinder Academy, Inc., the first childcare facility opened in Eastman. There are now facilities in McRae, Hawkinsville, and plans for one in Dublin. Great Beginnings Kinder Academy serves children from infancy through age 12, offering excellent educational opportunities for all age groups.

Dee is married to James Earl Yearty, son of Austin Yearty and Laura Y. Mullis. They have three daughters and a son. Dee and her family attend Gresston Baptist Church and are regular nursery workers.
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The District: District 144 covers Bleckley, Dodge, Pulaski, Wilcox counties, and a portion of Ben Hill County. Bleckley County includes Cochran. Dodge County includes Chanucey, Chester, Eastman, Milan, and Rhine. Pulaski County includes Hawkinsville, and Wilcox County includes Abbeville, Pineview, Pitts, and Rochelle.