Patsy Shirley has been the Executive Director of Lee County Family Connection for 7 years. 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.
Patsy is the proud mother of three daughters. Courtney is a 3rd year student at Georgia Institute of Technology majoring in BioChemistry with aspirations of furthering her education in graduate school and eventually work in the field of Pharmaceutical Research. Chelsey is a 3rd year student at the University of Georgia majoring in Journalism in the Grady School of Journalism and minoring in Poliitcal Science. Her goal is to one day be a news anchor of a major network. Courtney & Chelsey are twins. Her youngest daughter, Candace, is in her 2nd year at Berry College in Rome, Ga where she is majoring in Business Management with a double minor in Theatre and Public Relations. She hopes to one day be a professional Stage Manager/Theater Manager/Producer.
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 is also an Ambassador for the Lee County Chamber of Commerce and a forever booster of the LCHS Theatre Arts Program. She serves on the Board for the Lee County Library and also serves on the Board for the Friends of the Lee County Library.
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.
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.