Frances Ophelia Townsend

Frances was born on September 14, 1931 in Harlem, New York. She was one of thirteen children born to the late Rev. Harrison S. McNeill and Elizabeth Hattie (Jackson) McNeill. Growing up in a big family there was always something new going on and lots of love to be shared. She grew up in Harlem where she graduated from Central Commercial High School. She married Ward Leroy Townsend, Sr. Their union produced seven children. She was a loving, devoted and nurturing mother. She used the skills she learned through high school and began a successful career as a secretary with United Cerebral Palsy for many years until her retirement. In retirement, she relocated to Baltimore, Maryland where she lived until 2020 when she relocated to Abilene, Texas. Frances was the epitome of strong black women. She faced each of life’s trials with hope and a fierce determination. She enjoyed challenging herself mentally through crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. You could find her sitting in front of a large puzzle putting it together. She especially enjoyed time spent with her family creating many precious memories.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 sons, Ward Leroy Townsend, Jr. and Robert Michael Francis Townsend; 10 siblings, James “Steve”, Benjamin “Benny”, Mildred, Leon, Elizabeth "Betty", Sam, Joseph "J.D.", Johnny, Orenzo "Rinnie", and Valerie; her lifelong friend/sister Martha “Chubby” Berrocal and her son-in-law, Elmer Holloway.

She leaves to cherish precious memories her children, Melvin Douglas Townsend(Dena), Debra Ann Holloway, Janice A. Beckles, Angela Renee Smith, and Leonee Elizabeth Townsend; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; her surviving siblings, Otis McNeill and Maxine Goosby; her daughter-in-law, Valerie Townsend and numerous nieces and nephews.