An Inspired Chat with Sherry Devouse-Dennard of McDonough

Sherry Devouse-Dennard shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Sherry, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
From my perspective, there are quite a few misunderstandings about insurance, but I’ll highlight two big ones. First, the term “full coverage”. People often use this term as if it means they’re completely protected in any situation- but that’s not always the case. “Full coverage” isn’t actually a policy type; it’s a combination of different coverages, usually meaning you carry liability coverage for damage you cause to others plus comprehensive and collision to protect your own vehicle. However, it doesn’t automatically include important options like uninsured motorist coverage, rental reimbursement, or roadside assistance. I spend a lot of time educating clients that insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all- it’s about understanding what risks you’re protecting against and making sure your policy actually matches your lifestyle, assets, and comfort level.

The second misunderstanding is around life insurance-and its importance. Many people think life insurance is only for the elderly, or that it’s something to worry about “later”. In reality, life insurance is one of the most powerful financial tools for protecting your loved ones and building long-term stability. There are different types- term, whole, and universal life- and each serves a different purpose depending on your goals. I help people see it not just as a death benefit, but as a way to create legacy, financial freedom, and peace of mind for those you care about most.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the proud owner of SDD State Farm, where we focus on protecting what matters most and helping our clients build financial confidence through every stage of life. For the past six and a half years, I’ve had the privilege of serving my community as a State Farm Agent- a journey filled with both tremendous growth and meaningful purpose.

When I first opened my doors, my mission was simple yet deeply personal: to make insurance understandable, accessible, and empowering. Over the years, that mission has evolved into a full-scale operation built on education, service, and trust. We’ve celebrated major milestones and achieved numerous professional accolades, but what I’m most proud of is how we’ve weathered challenges- from navigating COVID-era uncertainties to managing rate fluctuations- all while maintaining our commitment to excellence and care for our customers.

Most recently, we’ve opened the doors to our newly rebuilt, modern office space in McDonough, Georgia- a reflection of our growth and our belief that the customer experience should be as warm, professional, and forward-thinking as the guidance we provide. The new location represents more than just a physical move; it’s the next chapter in our evolution as a brand dedicated to innovation, community connection, and financial empowerment.

At its core, my work is about more than policies- it’s about people. Every conversation is an opportunity to educate, to protect, and to inspire confidence. That’s the legacy I’m building with SDD State Farm: one rooted in integrity, compassion, and the belief that informed decisions lead to stronger futures.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I grew up in a small town in Alabama, where I believed the world was much bigger than anything I could ever access. I thought big, but deep down, I didn’t believe I could do big. Confidence didn’t come naturally to me then- I was still figuring out who I was and what I was capable of becoming.

After high school, I went on to college without a clear sense of direction or a strong foundation. I ultimately earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, but not without a lot of failure in between. Even with those accomplishments, something still felt incomplete. I realized that success on paper doesn’t always translate to fulfillment in purpose.

That search for meaning- for alignment between my abilities and my calling, made me better understand my divine assignment and tap into my God given gifts. Learning to fully trust and walk in faith will take you places you can never imagine. I love helping people thus, being an entrepreneur for the best insurer in the nation gave me the platform to expand upon this passion.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
It’s true- fear is a ploy of the enemy. It will hold you back from the very gifts that God intended for your life. For me, it’s taken many forms: fear of being alone, fear of failure, fear of sounding unintelligent…fear, fear, fear. If you’re not careful, you start to believe the lies of the enemy and slowly shrink away from the most authentic version of yourself.

I spent years playing small to make others feel big, dimming my light so others wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. But that only led me off the path God designed for me. I’m grateful for His grace, mercy, and patience in redirecting me back to purpose- reminding me that fear is not of Him, and that walking in faith is the only way to truly live free.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
In my opinion, many of us are chasing an image- stacking up earthly gifts instead of eternal ones. We’re measuring success by status, likes, and material gain, rather than by purpose, peace, and service. True success isn’t about how much you can collect, but how much you can contribute.

It’s our charge to help one another in whatever capacity God leads us to. When you pour into others and show them the blueprint to succeed, that’s when you’re truly winning. Because what we build in others outlasts what we build for ourselves.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I was loyal- that I showed up and went beyond the call of duty. That I wasn’t afraid to teach others how to lead and to share what I’d learned along the way. I hope they remember that I loved deeply- loved seeing people win, loved cheering others on, loved giving back, and loved simply being amongst the living.

More than anything, I hope they say I lived. That I embraced this life fully- the highs, the lessons, the travels, and moments in between- and that my life reflected gratitude, joy, and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sddinsurance.com
• Instagram: yoursfagentsherry
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/sherry-devouse-dennard-845b5012
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sddinsurance

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