Terry Allen Townsend

Terry Allen Townsend was born on December 10, 1947, in Taylor, Texas, to Alton Edward Townsend (known as Jellybean) and Mattie Lee Scott. As the eldest of five children, Terry shared a close bond with his brothers and sisters. Raised in a God-fearing household by his grandmother Ruby Townsend and great-grandmother Sarah Estella Townsend, he learned to navigate the challenges of segregation from an early age. During the hot Texas summers, Terry and his brothers labored in cotton fields, and during the school year, he attended O.L. Price Elementary, a school for Black children.

In 1965, with the desegregation of Taylor ISD, Terry transitioned to Taylor High School, where he graduated in 1967. Following graduation, he enrolled in a trade school and soon began his career at Texas Instruments (TI). It was at TI that he met Carolyn Cleveland (Powell), whom he married, and together they raised four children. Terry’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished, leading him and Carolyn to co-own C&T Upholstery. In addition to his work at TI, Terry was a skilled mechanic and jack-of-all-trades. After leaving TI and closing C&T Upholstery, he joined the City of Austin, where he dedicated 16 years of service before retiring.

Terry’s commitment extended beyond his career and family; he was deeply devoted to his faith. An active member of the deacon board, he was later ordained as a minister under Reverend A.R. Hargrove at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Austin, Texas.

A fan of Western television, Terry enjoyed spending his leisure time watching shows like Gunsmoke, which he often viewed multiple times, finding joy in the classics, listening to gospel music, and occasionally visiting an Oklahoma casino.

He was preceded in death by his mother Mattie Scott, father Alton Townsend, sister Marian Townsend Clemons, favorite aunt Lilly Black, grandmother Ruby Townsend, and great-grandmother Sarah Townsend. Terry is survived by his sons Anthony Townsend (Jean), Terrence Townsend (Esmer), Alton Townsend, and daughter Sara Townsend, as well as his brothers Lewis Townsend and Johnny Townsend, sister Billye Jean Townsend, 14 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and other family members.