Carissa Arnold

Carissa Garfield was born on November 22, 1920 in Jacksonville, Florida to Harry and Mary Garfield. Her mother died when she was very young, and she was raised in Jacksonville by her Aunt Sister and Aunt Minnie. She married William Townsend, and gave birth to her two sons, Bill and Ron Townsend. Fifteen years later, after her marriage ended, she left Jacksonville in the mid-fifties for New York where she eventually married Wallace Arnold, gave birth to her daughter Yvonne, and lived out the rest of her life there.

Her work history was second to none. Mother Dear worked faithfully at the Taft Hotel for 35-years as an elevator operator and in the house keeping department. In her 35 years of service she was never late and never missed a day of work. Simply put, to know her was to love her. Her loyalty, hard work and meek spirit was truly something special.

As we celebrate her life we remember her legacy; a legacy that will live on forever! Although she is no longer here physically, we remember all of the smiles, good times shared, and the lives she touched during her 99-years on earth.

Mother Dear leaves to mourn her passing, her surviving son, Ron Townsend (wife Maureen Townsend); daughter in law and best friend for life Barbara Jeffries; grandchildren Sharon Townsend; Curtis Townsend; Michelle Townsend; Ronnie Townsend Jr. (wife Cheryl Townsend); Shaneika Montier; Misty Montier; and great grandchildren, Bria Janelle Smith; Patrice Ash; Jessica Townsend; Morgan Townsend; Ronnie Townsend III; Toreya Townsend; Jamal Townsend; daughter in law Helen Smith (mother of Sharon and Curtis) Long-time family friend Danny Kulka and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and grandchildren and great grandchildren in Love.

Pre-deceasing her were son, William Townsend; daughter Leila Yvonne Montier; and grandson Elington Townsend.