Margaret Joann Townsend

TOWNSEND,Margaret JoAnn Willeman, 84, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at the Walnut Creek Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Kettering, Ohio. She was born September 4, 1933 in Rushville, Missouri to Ernest and Florence Willeman, and on June 26, 1961 married John Edward Townsend, Sr., who survives.

Also surviving are her two sons, John (Sondra) Townsend, Jr. of Dayton and Timothy (Joy) Townsend of Colorado Springs, Colorado; five grandchildren, Christopher Townsend, Nicholas Townsend, Michelle Townsend, Alexander Townsend, and Rebecca Townsend; sister Venita Lieffring; and many dear nieces and nephews with their children.

JoAnn, as she was known by many, was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Marvin Willeman, Errol Willeman, and Dwain Willeman; and sisters Arlene Sougstad and Roberta Willeman. JoAnn was a longtime resident of Terre Haute, Indiana and for twenty years taught the first grade to hundreds of students precious to her at Rosedale Elementary School. She was very active in the Terre Haute Bible Center church and Child Evangelism fellowship, where she taught, sang, and played the piano to share the love of Jesus Christ. In recent years, she enjoyed the company of her many friends at the Brookdale/Waterford independent living community in Dayton. Visitation will be held at TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-FAR HILLS CHAPEL, 5471 Far Hills Ave.

at Rahn Rd. Dayton, OH 45429 on Tuesday, October 10, 2017 from 12:30 pm until time of service at 1:30 pm. Burial will follow at Miami Valley Memory Gardens in Warren County, Ohio. The family wishes to extend their deep gratitude to the Walnut Creek and Brookdale Hospice caregivers for their support during her final days. Online condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.