Patsy James has been the Executive Director of Lee County Family Connection since 2009.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Georgia Southwestern in 2005 and her Master’s in Social Work from Valdosta State University in 2009.  She was a non-traditional student, returning to complete her education after the death of her husband, David, in 2002.  She has served as the Executive Director of Lee County Family Connection, Inc. since October, 2009.  Through the years, she has facilitated many changes with the scope of work of Family Connection, always seeking ways to better serve the needs of our community.

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Patsy is the proud mother of three daughters. Courtney Edmunds, Chelsey Murdock, and Candace Crew.  All graduates of Lee County High School (2014, 2014, 2015 respectively).  The educational and extra-curriuclur opportunities afforded her daughters in the Lee County School System and community prepared them for success in college and now in their professional careers.  

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Courtney Edmunds, PharmD, MPH, is the NICU Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Novent Health Presbyterian Medical Center Hemby Children's Hospital, serving a level IV neonatal ICU and newborn nursery, in Charlotte, North Carolina.   She and her husband, Kyle, are settling into their new life in Charlotte and awaiting the arrival of their first child in August, 2023.

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Chelsey Murdock is an Associate Account Manager for Ken Williams, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia, working with a variety of clients including several teams at Chick-fil-A - from Corporate Communications to Supply Chain.  KWI Communications is a full-service agency supporting clients with both internal and external communications.  She and her husband, Aaron, welcomed their first bundle of joy, James, on May 31, 2023.

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Candace Crew is the Community Manager, Southern Region, for the American Brain Tumor Association. The ABTA is a national nonprofit dedicated to funding research for brain tumor treatments and providing education and information across all tumor types and ages.  She and her husband, Zac, live in Athens, Georgia spending much of their time spoiling their 4-legged child, Queen Eleanor.

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Patsy is an inaugural member of the Kiwanis Club of Lee County and has been proud to be part of the Backpack Blessings Program since its inception.  She currently serves the REACH Coordinator for the Lee County School System. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Lee County Education Foundation, the Southwest Georgia Community Action Council, the Lee County Library, and is an honorary board member for the Lee County Chamber of Commerce.

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Patsy was named the Lee County Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year in 2012 and was also named the Lee County Kiwanian of the Year in 2012.

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Patsy grew up in Sylvester, Georgia – the youngest of 3 girls – in a single-parent home.  She graduated from  Worth  County High School in 1984, having been very active in the Worth County Band Program.  Even though she grew up without many material items, she grew up with much love. It is because of the impact of her childhood that she is so passionate about the work of Family Connection – whose mission is to work as a catalyst for improving the quality of life for Lee County’s children and families.