Barbara Joyce Fitzgerald is a person described as “special.”

A 30-year employee of Dollar Farm Products and a lifelong resident of Decatur County, Fitzgerald is well-known among farmers in our area as an important part of the operations at Tommy Dollar’s business.

That’s why when she became ill about a month ago and needed surgery not covered by her insurance, Dollar Farm Products stepped in to help.

Now, Fitzgerald is in need of additional medical care, and members of the agriculture community want to help in her time of need.

“Every farmer in this town knows Barbara Joyce, and she’s helped all of us at one time or another,” said Tarrell Bennett, chief relationship manager at Southwest Georgia Farm Credit. “I’ve had calls from folks around the county who want to contribute to getting her on the road to good health. She’s a special lady.”

Fitzgerald, who has required three surgeries in a short time span, is receiving care in Macon. Employees at Dollar Farm Products, Southwest Georgia Farm Credit and other farm businesses have contributed to help provide lodging in Macon for Fitzgerald’s husband, Charles, and for her mounting medical expenses.

“Farmers and farm businesses in this county rely on each other every day,” said Duane Watson, relationship manager at Southwest Georgia Farm Credit, and a former farmer. “It’s nice to see that when someone needs help, there are kind, caring people who want to help someone who has spent years making sure their business was handled with extra care. It’s not a big thing to do—it’s just the right thing to do.”

To make a contribution to the Barbara Joyce Fitzgerald medical fund, contact Watson at (229) 493-0158 or Hugh Dollar at (229) 400-5205.