Mildred Byrum Townsend

TOWNSEND, MILDRED BYRUM – age 88, of Knoxville, TN, passed away April 29, 2013. Preceded in death by parents, Amos and Nona Byrum. Survived by husband, Shirley Townsend; son, Don Townsend and wife Linda, and several nieces and nephews. Millie was born in Tellico Plains, TN and moved to Knoxville with her parents as a girl. She graduated from Old Knoxville High School in 1942 and worked during the war at Fulton-Sylphon. In 1946, while working at Clark-Jones Music Company, she met Shirley, the love of her life. They married the following year and spent the next 66 years loving and caring for each other. In the early 1960’s, Millie joined her parents at Byrum-Townsend Grocery Store and opened a lunch counter where she nourished a generation of South Knoxvillians with her cooking and her loving spirit. Millie loved the Lord and always took the opportunity to witness to others. She was a kind, loving, gracious and generous lady who will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her. The family would like to thank the medical staff at UT Hospital for their compassionate care, and friend Darlene Smith for her constant help and friendship. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Thursday, May 2 at Sevier Heights Baptist Church, where she was a member. Funeral service will follow at 7:00 pm with Dr. Hollie Miller officiating. Family and friends will meet at 11am, Friday, May 3 at Woodlawn Cemetery for the graveside service. Memorial gifts may be given to Sevier Heights Baptist Church. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com