Upon recently reaching the landmark milestone of 20 years on the bench as a judge for General Sessions Court, Division 1, Judge Denise Andre’s husband brought up the possibility of her retirement. Her response, being the longest-serving elected judge in Williamson County, “But, Richard, it’s only been 20 years, I’ve just gotten started. I’m ready to go for another 20!”
Her enthusiasm for the position and her work in the courts to help those with addictions is infectious when she shares what she has done during her tenure. The last 20 years have not only been filled with accomplishments, but also with true love and conviction. It is not a job to Judge Andre, it is a calling.
She Planned to be Psychiatric Social Worker
“This whole position was not something I planned on doing,” she explained. “I was going to be a psychiatric social worker. And I was going to work with veterans…I got my degree. I thought back then that if you had a college degree that was great, people were wanting graduates, but I couldn’t find a job…I went everywhere. I was humbled.
She ended up at the Rescue Mission when Reverend Carl Reasoner was the director. As she arrived, he was behind his desk on his knees praying. She interrupted him. Her thought was, “I’m never going to get a job now, I interrupted his praying!”…