Leadership rooted in service, experience, and community impact
View Letter To Board Members
Entrepreneur, Community Pillar & Matriarch
In the quiet winter of December 11, 1935, in Newbern, Alabama, Diciree Wheeler was born into a world that asked much before it ever gave. She came forth as the child of sharecroppers, one among fourteen brothers and sisters, raised upon red clay soil and honest labor. Like a house first set upon bare ground, her life began with a foundation laid not only by stone, but by endurance, faith, and sacrifice as well.
Her earliest lessons were learned not only in the halls of Reynolds Chapel Elementary School, but also in the cotton fields. In those days, schooling waited upon the harvest—if the cotton was not picked, the children did not go to school. Each row pulled, sacked, and carried was another beam set into the structure of her character, shaping a strength that would hold fast through many storms.
She graduated from Lincoln High School in Marion, Alabama, in 1954, carrying with her both the weight of responsibility and the quiet hope of more. To build the next level of her house, she labored in Tuscaloosa as a domestic worker, giving twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for ten dollars a week, saving every coin toward the dream of higher learning. Though her parents could only afford to send one child at a time, Diciree waited patiently, then attended Stillman College for two years, trusting that her season would come.
Providence soon opened a new door. She traveled to Hawaii in 1954 with her eldest sister and brother-in-law, a military man, and there she met Theodore Wheeler Jr., a Navy man who would become the love of her life. Together they laid their cornerstone. In 1957, they were married and returned to Chattanooga, Tennessee, three years later in 1960, after Theodore completed seven years of military service. Diciree worked faithfully at DuPont for seven and a half years.
With steady hands and shared vision, the Wheelers built something lasting. They opened Ted and Dice Grocery Store, which served the community for forty years. Mrs. Wheeler ran the store as steward and keeper, while Mr. Wheeler served as a police officer for twenty-five years, rising to the rank of Assistant Chief. Brick by brick, they raised a house not just for themselves, but for their three children: Angela, Theodore “Teddy” III, and Darryl.
In 1983, Mrs. Wheeler founded Angela Boutique, adding yet another room to her life’s work. And seeing a greater need still, Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler, alongside their son Theodore Wheeler III, established the 21st Century Child Development and Learning Center—planting a place where young minds could grow and futures could be shaped.
Even now, at ninety years of age, Diciree Wheeler remains active, guiding her children Angela and Darryl daily in the work she helped build, tending to the house she raised from the ground up. Her life stands as a well-built dwelling—tested by time, anchored in faith, and strong enough to shelter generations yet to come. And from the foundation she laid, her story teaches this enduring truth: that even through unfair trials, heavy burdens, and crooked paths, a determined soul can rise, build, and still come out on top.
Music Producer • Songwriter • Business Entrepreneur • Motivational Speaker • Philanthropist
Darryl Wheeler Sr. has committed his life and talents to the betterment of the human condition, concentrating on the plight of young people in this nation. He searched for a unique method to deliver a powerful anti-drug message that would be both meaningful and informative, yet entertaining enough to capture a child’s imagination. It was this dream that birthed The Happy Clowns.
In subsequent years, Darryl expanded his crusade as The Happy Clowns evolved into the musical group Nu Beginning, which included a young Usher Raymond. Under Darryl’s leadership, the group toured extensively throughout the country, earning a major recording contract while continuing to share positive messages through their music.
Darryl then committed himself to mastering every nuance of the music industry, including publishing, copyright law, and worldwide distribution. To further his vision, he founded Come Clean Entertainment Company Inc., including its CCE record label division. The Chattanooga-based label specializes in the lost art of artist development and strongly encourages artists to maintain positive attitudes toward self, family, and community.
Come Clean Entertainment Inc. includes a music division, media production, and diverse industry components. Darryl later repeated his success when, alongside his son Darryl Wheeler Jr. (LiL D), he secured a major record contract with Universal Records, resulting in a label deal for Come Clean Entertainment.
Most recently, Darryl co-wrote and co-produced the final singing sermon of legendary gospel icon Rance Allen, titled "When Jesus Comes For Me", released on all major streaming platforms in March 2022.
Darryl has also written, produced, and directed the biopic "True Development: Nu Beginning & Usher...The Story of Darryl Wheeler Sr. — The Making of Nu Beginning" . The forthcoming DVD will be featured during an international FOX News interview, highlighting the struggles, triumphs, and heartbreak of five gifted young men and their determined surrogate father.
Currently, Darryl and his wife Brenda Wheeler are founders and stewards of Happy House Shaved Ice under parent company Come Clean Entertainment. A Chattanooga staple for over twenty years, Happy House Shaved Ice is a must-visit destination at Coolidge Park, offering extraordinary sweet treats during the spring and summer seasons.
City Court Clerk & Community Advocate
Born August 13, 1975, Anthony Byrd has devoted over 30 years to public service and community leadership. His career began at age 19 as a General Sessions Court Clerk, where he served for more than two decades.
Anthony later served two impactful terms on the Chattanooga City Council before returning to the Criminal Court Clerk’s Office. In 2022, he was appointed City Court Clerk by Mayor Tim Kelly, where he has modernized operations and enhanced public service delivery.
Beyond government, Anthony has long been committed to youth advocacy. He performed with The Happy Clowns and later with Nu Beginning, using music to inspire and educate young people.
Anthony also founded The Byrd’s Nest LLC and the nonprofit Christmas in District 8, providing resources, guidance, and holiday joy to underserved families. His work continues to uplift the Chattanooga community through leadership, compassion, and action.
Administrative & Cultural Arts Leader
Sandra Lois Reeves Jackson is a graduate of Eastern High School in Detroit, Michigan (Class of 1966) and attended Oakland County Community College in the Office Information Systems curriculum.
She brings extensive experience in organization, planning, correspondence, database management, mass mailings, and executive scheduling. Her career spans both for-profit and nonprofit environments, holding titles such as Administrative Assistant, Senior Assistant, and Development and Education Specialist.
Sandra has coordinated conferences, retreats, summits, and large-scale events, developing flyers, brochures, and programs while managing travel, lodging, and teleconferences.
Additionally, Sandra has been a member of the legendary Motown recording group Martha Reeves & The Vandellas since 1967. She has traveled the world, entertained thousands, and received numerous awards and Hall of Fame inductions—bringing a rich cultural legacy to the board.
Board Member • Education & Youth Development Leader
Ralph Dallemand serves on the Board of Directors of 21st Century Child Development and Learning Center, bringing a strong foundation in education, youth leadership, and community-focused innovation. His work is centered on building environments where children can learn, grow, and gain the confidence needed to succeed in an evolving world.
As founder and president of Dallemand Inc., Ralph leads initiatives that support student development, cultural enrichment, and mentorship opportunities for young people. His company reflects his lifelong commitment to academic empowerment and the belief that education is the most powerful tool for shaping future leaders.
Throughout his career, Ralph has worked collaboratively with educators, community organizations, and families to strengthen programs that uplift youth. His experience spans university-based work, community development efforts, and leadership roles where he has championed growth-minded, student-centered solutions.
On the board, Ralph contributes strategic vision, hands-on experience, and a deep passion for ensuring that all children have access to supportive, high-quality developmental resources. He remains dedicated to helping 21st Century Child Development and Learning Center expand its impact and continue preparing children for bright, successful futures.
Business Development Manager • Community Leader
Lawrence Edwards currently serves as a Business Development Manager for Coca-Cola in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He has dedicated an impressive 35 years to the company, working across multiple roles and departments including utility, grocery bulk, conventional operations, and Area Manager positions.
Lawrence is also a proud veteran, having served 8 years in the United States Coast Guard as a Second Class Mechanist Mate, commonly known as a diesel mechanic. His military service instilled in him discipline, teamwork, and a strong work ethic that continues to guide his professional and personal life.
He humorously credits his education to the “School of Hard Knocks”, noting that he’s still not sure he’ll ever graduate—an outlook that reflects his lifelong commitment to learning through real-world experience.
Lawrence resides in Hixson, TN with his wife, Jennifer, of 38 years. Together they have one son and four grandchildren, whom they love spending time with. Known for never meeting a stranger, Lawrence genuinely enjoys connecting with people and building lasting friendships within the community.