03/24/2026
Lawrence County Family Receives Brown/Gilliam 4-H Legacy Award
Hartsfield Family Recipient of Brown / Gilliam 4-H Legacy Award
The Hartsfield Family of Lawrence County has been named the 2026 recipient of the Brown / Gilliam Legacy Award.
The Hartsfield family has been deeply involved in Lawrence County 4-H for three generations. Grandparents C.A. and Patty Hartsfield were active 4-H members in their youth. Patty credits her mother, Emma Nola, with ensuring she completed her 4-H projects each year. C.A. was heavily involved in livestock projects and was a member of the Honor Club and 4-H All Stars, thereby establishing a foundation for lifelong involvement.
When their oldest son, Mickey, reached 4-H age, C.A. stepped into the role as a livestock volunteer leader, mentoring his children, as well as many other 4-H members and families in fitting cattle and showmanship. All four children ultimately pursued careers connected to agriculture.
Mickey became a show cattle manager and mentored his younger sister Candace, who grew up in 4-H show barns across the state and nation. When grandson Luke reached 4-H age, C.A. renewed his volunteer spirit and continued the family’s multigenerational involvement.
In the mid-1990s, Patty assumed leadership of the Poultry Club and has faithfully served for decades, teaching hundreds of youth through chick chain projects, shows, and auctions. In recent years, Candace has joined her as a volunteer co-leader. Mark also supports the poultry program by purchasing chick chain pullets annually to help ensure opportunities for local youth.
The Hartsfield family has consistently supported 4-H beyond the county level. Patty guided youth at Roundup and State Congress long after her own children completed their 4-H careers. Candace participated in National 4-H Congress, became a 4-H All Star, and has served on the Tennessee 4-H State Council.
The Hartsfield family has truly spent a lifetime making the best better through sustained leadership, service, and multigenerational commitment to 4-H.
They were awarded at the 79th Tennessee State 4-H Congress on March 10. Pictured from the left: George and June Brown of Coffee County, establishers of the Award. Jeremy, Candace, and Hadley Bedford, CA and Patty Hartsfield, Mark and Beth Hartsfield and their children, Luke, Emmy, and Jase.
We are proud of the Hartsfield family and grateful for their years of service to the young people of Lawrence County.