Frances Mae Townsend

Frances Mae Townsend (73) was born February 9, 1945 in Fayetville, NC. to    Edward and Rosie Lee Kelly. She was one of 12 children. Frances spent her childhood and teenage years in North Carolina.

In 1965 Frances married Willie C. Townsend Sr., they parted ways in 1974. However love and fate reunited them and they remarried in 1995.

Frances had seven children. five daughters Delphine, Taundra, twins Annie and Annette, and Francine, two sons Willie Townsend Jr., and Dennis Townsend.

Frances raised her children in the church Ebenezer Baptist Church. She faithfully attended morning and evening worship. Sunday school was a must for her children.

Frances later became a member of New Covenant Believers Church in which she remained a faithful member until her passing.

Frances worked several jobs sometimes down two or three at a time. Some of her employers include Rogers fish market, Burger king, Aetna and dove cleaning service. Her most enjoyable job was being a childcare provider, serving as a title 20 provider with Franklin County Jobs and family services, and a private provider.

Frances was known as “grandma Frances” to all the children she cared for with a special spot for Tayveon Caldwell and Seneca (Head) Koroma.

In 1994 after the tragic death of her daughter Annette, Frances dedicated her life in raising Annette’s children Bobby J. Gavin Jr., Shaniece A. Gavin, and Shaneka Gavin, also great granddaughter Khaliyah Kay Frances whom she called “poo-poo”.

Frances hobbies included vacationing with family and she loved her soaps especially young and the restless. Frances contagious smile welcomed everyone. She loved everyone and made each person feel special in her world.

On February 25, 2018 Frances entered into eternal life. She is preceded in death by parents Edward and Rosie Lee Kelly, husband Willie C. Townsend Sr., daughter Annette Townsend, son Willie Townsend Jr., granddaughter Shante Gavin, great granddaughter Darlarah L. Gavin, Gabriella D. Gavin, Khalani S. Gavin, brothers John W. Cook, Charles Kelly, James Kelly, Edward Reid, Marvin Kelly, sisters Cassie McClean, and Betty Reid Moore.

She leaves to cherish her memory with daughters Delphine McKinnon, Taundra (Lance) Roberts, Annie (Otis) Townsend-Barnett, Francine Townsend-Smith, son Dennis Townsend, sisters Hazel Louise Kelly, Whilemena Walls, Mary (Isaiah) Warren, brother Robert Reid, grandchildren Tamaretta (Michael) Bondurant, Tasha Bolton, Latonya Bolton, Antwanetta Christina (Desmond) Squaire, Andrew (Monique), Townsend, Monique (Tim) Jones, Napriya Smith, Briyona Smith, Otis Barnett Jr., Bobby Joe Gavin Jr., Shaniece Gavin, Shaneka Gavin, Madison Townsend, Maurianna,  great grandchildren Tamara, Qiara, Jamal Jr., Jerimaha, Laila, Briyon, Kenyon, Zariyah, Desani, Avante, Andrew Jr., Adrian, Anthony, Amina, Taylor, Kennedy, Bishop, Messiah, Jaylen, Nyl’ah, Khaliylah, Jal’yah, Ta’laydria, Elijah,  special friends Mary Jordan and all of her neighbors on 20th and Cleveland Ave., and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation 9:00am and Funeral 10:00am Saturday. March 10, 2018 at New Covenant Believers Church, 3400 Kohr Blvd.

Interment at Evergreen Burial Park