Lyons Welcomes Barfield As Community Development Director
mrandolphadvance@gmail.com
The City of Lyons is welcoming Jessica Barfield to the city administration, as she assumes the role of Community Development Director this month.
Barfield is filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of former Lyons Main Street Association Director Daphne Walker, who resigned earlier this year. “I am truly honored and excited to serve as the Community Development Director. With a vibrant energy and heart to serve and connect within my community, I will be serving in the capacity of both the Lyons Main Street and Lyons Development Authority,” she commented. “I am looking forward to continuing the relationships already established. My heart has always been for the people and families in Lyons. I desire to bring everyone together through meaningful projects and events while supporting our local businesses. One of my priorities is to continue fostering a growing community and a thriving downtown where people want to gather, celebrate, and invest while embracing unity within our community.”
She has extensive experience in sales, marketing, and volunteering, as she worked with her family’s business, Southern Davis Business Products for many years, allowing her to build relationships and serve the public. She is also very familiar with Lyons and the city administration, as she has worked at the Lyons City Hall in recent years.
“As a Toombs County native, I have deep roots in the community,” she remarked. “I have two wonderful children; my son, Brayden Klein, who attends Vidalia High School and plays with the Sound Tribe, and my daughter, Millie Grace Klein, who is a student at Toombs County Middle School. Yes, ours is a ‘house divided,’ but we celebrate both schools proudly!”
Barfield continued, “After the birth of my second child, I went through a very difficult time. Through the efforts and support from my recovery community and The Hope House, I learned that when you are broken and willing, and when you surrender it all to the Lord, you find strength and the ability to overcome. Reaching out to a supportive community and reaching up in faith allowed me to walk into a new chapter of life. With the support of the recovery community, my church family at Cedar Crossing Church of God, and many loved ones, I was able to walk through recovery and embrace a new path. I am blessed to give back by serving as a board member for Gardens of Hope Recovery, and as a volunteer for a couple of organizations that minister and provide support services to the homeless and displaced population. I teach weekly at A Place To Heal Recovery Center, and am a member of Toombs County Family Connections while already participating in many events, such as the annual TEEN Maze, and serve on the Hospitality Team at Cedar Crossing Church of God.”
“I want to be transparent about this part of my journey because I need others to know that hope, healing and second chances are possible. Being able to serve my own community is both humbling and empowering. It has been formative in my healing process and gives me the strength to pour into others,” she emphasized.
Barfield said that her favorite part of working in Lyons is the people, as she feels that the employees and citizens of Lyons build a family-like atmosphere while interacting. “Even after being with the city for just a year, I developed what truly feels like an extended family. The support, encouragement, and friendships I’ve built with both coworkers and residents mean the world to me. Lyons is more than where I work; it’s where I feel at home. The energy and joy I receive from these relationships fuel my passion to help the city grow,” she added.
As far as future events, she shared several things in the works, including a Late Music Night on Saturday, September 27, which will feature live music and will showcase the Lyons downtown area, and the Real Squeal Music and BBQ Festival, which is slated for Friday, October 3, and Saturday, October 4. “This year feels especially meaningful as we come together after the challenges of Hurricane Helene. Beyond these events, we are committed to continuing projects that bring people together, fostering connections, and supporting our businesses so that Lyons can continue to grow and thrive,” Barfield said.
“A strong relationship with the City of Lyons and its leaders, the volunteers of the Lyons Main Street Board, and the Downtown Development Authority combined with my commitment allows for the continued growth of Lyons,” she reassured, as she invited the public to take part in happenings in Lyons.” I’m able to do this by the grace of God and those who have entrusted me with this role. I am thankful for a supportive team who has and will continue to assist within the transition into the Main Street Office.”
