Staff Spotlight – Deita Shook
Harman Claytor Corrigan & Wellman’s very first Staff Spotlight is the firm’s Office Manager and Firm Administrator, Deita J. Shook. Deita was originally in banking as a receptionist/teller for four years and then worked in the Planning Department for Goochland County for about six years before beginning her 40-year career in the legal field, first as a legal assistant and then in administration. She has been at Harman Claytor since the firm was formed 32 years ago on December 1, 1991.
1. Where are you from originally? — I was born in a small coal mining town in SW Virginia – Richlands. My family moved to Goochland when I was eight years old, as my dad was trying to prevent my youngest brother from working in the mines. All three of my brothers grew up to become police officers.
2. What is at the top of your bucket list? — At the moment, it is to retire! And once I retire, I want to spend more time with my family and my three great-great nieces, one great-great nephew, and one more on the way – all three years and under. So much fun!
3. What advice would you give your younger self? — Lighten up, don’t be so serious, and be more outgoing.
4. Years down the road, how would you like to be remembered? — That I was honest and kind.
5. What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years? — Life and health are short, don’t take it for granted.
6. Do you have any pets? — I have a 4-year-old, 20-pound cat. He’s very loving when HE wants to be but is a crazy cat at 4:30 in the morning. He hates for me to talk on the phone and he interrupts constantly.
7. If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be? — I’m not a big traveler, but my wish was to visit Israel in 2024 when I retired. But for now I’ll stick to traveling in the US.
8. What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on and why? — In 2018, my brother and I traveled by RV for a month visiting South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and Arizona. It was amazing to see the different states and landscapes. One of the best parts was spending the time with my brother. He passed away the following year so it is definitely a trip I will always remember and I am so thankful I had the opportunity to go.
9. What do you enjoy doing outside of work? — I love working in my yard. It is relaxing and rewarding. I can sit back on my mower and think about whatever I want or think about nothing at all.
10. What’s something that you’ve always wanted to try or learn? — Play guitar and learn woodworking.
11. What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery? — You have to play to win, but if I were to play and win, maybe buy an RV and start traveling the US.
