Laurel’s Revitalization Pioneer Judi Holifield Remembered as Heart of Home Town Revival

Judi Holifield, a foundational figure in Laurel, Mississippi’s remarkable turnaround, has died. The longtime music teacher and former Main Street director passed away on December 13, 2025, at age 71. Her vision and work laid the essential groundwork for the town’s revival, long before HGTV’s “Home Town” put it on the map. Local leaders and stars Ben and Erin Napier credit her as the true spark.

Her passing was confirmed by an obituary and social media tributes. In a heartfelt Instagram Story, Erin Napier wrote that Holifield “started all this.” This statement underscores her pivotal, yet often understated, role in transforming a struggling downtown into a vibrant destination. Her legacy is deeply personal to the community she dedicated her life to.

The Force Behind Downtown’s First Steps

Holifield served as Executive Director of Laurel Main Street from 2011 to 2020. Her mission was to create a vibrant and sustainable downtown. But her efforts began much earlier. According to Southern Living, she watched the town decline for decades and was determined to save it.

When a young group of college graduates, including the Napiers, moved back to Laurel around 2008, downtown was nearly empty. Erin Napier recalled it was just them and “feral cats.” They leaned on Holifield for guidance. Erin noted Holifield knew how to secure grants and make tangible progress, calling her “a force.”

A Legacy Woven Into the Community’s Fabric

The impact of Holifield’s work extends far beyond bricks and mortar. A tribute from Laurel Main Street stated her legacy lives in every former student, small business owner, and friend she encouraged. She was known for a unique mix of empathy, tough love, and wit. The organization called her “irreplaceable.”

For Holifield, the work was deeply personal. She told Southern Living, “Laurel is personal to me.” She purchased and renovated The Overstreet House on season three of “Home Town.” Her dedication has left a permanent mark. The town’s current success is a direct continuation of the foundation she built.

The story of Laurel’s revitalization is inseparable from the passion of Judi Holifield. Her unwavering commitment proved that community transformation begins long before the cameras roll.

Thought you’d like to know

Who was Judi Holifield?

Judi Holifield was a music teacher and the former executive director of Laurel Main Street. She is widely recognized as a pioneering force in the early efforts to revitalize downtown Laurel, Mississippi, before the HGTV show “Home Town” began.

How did Judi Holifield help Ben and Erin Napier?

When the Napiers and their friends returned to Laurel after college, they sought to help the town. They relied on Holifield’s experience and knowledge, particularly her skill in securing grants and executing practical downtown improvement projects.

What was Judi Holifield’s role on HGTV’s Home Town?

Holifield appeared on season three of “Home Town.” She was featured purchasing and renovating The Overstreet House for herself and her son, showcasing her personal investment in Laurel’s community and housing stock.

What is Laurel Main Street?

Laurel Main Street is a non-profit organization dedicated to the economic and cultural revitalization of downtown Laurel. Judi Holifield led this organization for nine years, spearheading efforts to fill empty buildings and create a vibrant center.