Mary F. Townsend

Reflections of Life

Mary Florence Townsend was born on July 12, 1934 to the late Willie Davis and Florence Davis in Rutherford County, Tennessee. She departed this earthly life on October 1, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was proceeded in death by her husband Walter Edward Townsend and siblings Luther, Sam, Clarence, William, Robert, Thomas, Emma, Ellen, John L., and Joe Louis.

Mary moved from Rutherford County to Nashville with her family. She accepted Christ at an early age and united with Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, Hosea Temple Church and later with 14th and Phillips St. Original Church of God under the leadership of Elder Thomas DeGraphenreed, which is now Bethesda House of Healing OCOG.

Mary was educated in Metro Nashville Public Schools and attended University of Tennessee Nashville. She worked in community service programs and social work for Metro Action Commission and the State of Tennessee. She loved working with people and helping people to better themselves. Mary was very creative and could draw and make lovely ceramic art, many of which remain in the home.

Mary met and married the love of her life Walter Townsend May 23, 1956 and remained at his side until his death last year for a total of 68+ years. They enjoyed traveling together and continued to do so until their health began to decline. Mary truly loved her family and was affectionately called “Momma”, “Granny”, and “GG” by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a great cook and often her home was the place for family gatherings and celebrations. Mary loved the finer things in life and was a fancy dresser. She has a treasure of suits, hats, shoes and purses.

She leaves to cherish her memories: Beloved children: Patricia (Broderick) Milton, Terry (Sonja) Townsend, Sr., Pamela Townsend, Brenda (Stanley) Miller, very devoted daughter/care givers Lalita Hodge and granddaughters Ria Hodge and Tristen (Joshua) Doss and her “BFF” great granddaughter, Justice Doss. Grandchildren; Terry (Chanelle) Townsend, Jr. , Kevin (Denetria) Townsend , Jennifer Arline, Jason Milton, Avery (Colin) Townsend, Brandon Whitney, Alessia Whitney, Pavielle Corbitt, Dominique (Detrisscia) Corbitt, Stanyel (Kelsha) Miller, Shardea Miller, Alisha Cherry, a host of great grandkids and great-great grandkids, sister; Mattie Riley, sister -in-law Emma Jean Davis, brother -in laws: George (Diane) Townsend, Robert Townsend of Huntsville Alabama. host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends will also miss her dearly.

1John 5:13

13 I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may knowyou have eternal life. . . . . IT IS WELL…..