Dee Mecom Sheets was born 74 years ago in Belton, Texas to Gladys and Herman Mecom. She attended her first rodeo at age 9 months. Dee received her first pair of boots and her beloved paint horse Christi for her second birthday. During her youth, Dee attended rodeos with her cousins Johnny, Eddie, and JoAnn Boren who influenced her love of the sport.
Dee left Belton in the 1960s but returned in late 1978 after the death of her husband. When Johnny Boren was asked to take over as manager of the PRCA Lone Star Circuit – later to become the Texas Circuit – he realized he needed someone to help with “a little typing”. He called his cousin Dee Sheets, who readily accepted the challenge. Keeping track of memberships, typing labels, mailing quarterly newsletters, and keeping minutes of board meetings and rule changes were all part of the job. She assisted Johnny and the Board of Directors as a volunteer until 1981, when she was elected to the position of Executive Secretary. She remained in that position until her retirement in 1992 to work for the Bell County Department of Community Supervision and Corrections.
Dee is a Gold Card member of the PRCA. She has received several buckles, plaques, letters of recommendation, and gifts from the PRCA and the members of the Texas Circuit. Each and every one is considered a treasure by her. Dee said, “My heroes have always been cowboys and cowgirls. I have never considered anything I have done for the sport to be work because it was done with love.”
Dee has three daughters: Donita and husband Earl Behrends of Muleshoe, Texas; Jill Kitchens, Jayme and husband Brad McBride, all of Amarillo Texas; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
