Jody Holyst Fariss, a Farmville attorney who was appointed General District Court judge with the 10th Judicial Circuit in February, was honored during a ceremony held at the Prince Edward County Courthouse on May 29.

The 10th Judicial Circuit covers the counties of Appomattox, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Prince Edward, Halifax, Lunenburg and Mecklenburg.

The two additional new General District Court judges in the Circuit are Darrel Puckett, commonwealth’s attorney for Appomattox County, and Calvin Spencer, an attorney in Kenbridge.

The three vacancies were created by the retirement of Judges Robert Woodson and Charles Warren, and the elevation of Judge William Watson to the Circuit Court bench.

Fariss will succeed Judge Woodson’s seat on the bench.

Prince Edward County Commonwealth’s Attorney Megan Clark praised Fariss’ services in the Heart of Virginia and looked forward to her presiding as judge.

“We are all overjoyed in the 10th judicial circuit over the recent appointment of The Honorable Jody Fariss to serve as a general district court judge,” Clark said in a statement. “Having worked with Judge Fariss for a number of years during her tenure as a local attorney, I know her to be a fair, impartial individual who is well-versed in the laws of the Commonwealth. She will listen to the facts of each case, apply the law accurately, and render verdicts that are supported by sound legal principles. What a great addition to our bench.”

Cumberland County Commonwealth’s Attorney Patricia Scales commended Woodson for his service, and was excited to see Fariss on the bench.

“I’m looking forward to having Judge Fariss sit in Cumberland as our new General District Court judge,” Scales said in a statement. “Judge Woodson grew up in Cumberland, and he served as an exemplary judge for almost 25 years. It’s now Judge Fariss’ turn, and she’s also knowledgeable about the law and I believe she’ll also handle cases in a fair, just and compassionate way.”

District 22 State Senator Mark Peake spoke about working with Fariss on a few cases and commended her knowledge and service to the region.

“I’m thrilled to see Jody Fariss take the bench,” Peake said in a phone interview. “She had incredible references and support throughout the district. Everyone had wonderful things to say about her.”

“She was an excellent lawyer and will make an excellent judge,” Peake said.