Barbara J. Towns

Barb was born in Flint, MI on November 22, 1932, to Harry and Francis Smith. In 1950, she married Frederick B. Towns and together they raised six children.

She graduated from Flint Central High School and afterward attended Flint Junior College. She later earned associate degrees from Lansing Community College and Northwood Institute (University).

Barb was a past member of the women’s professional sorority Beta Sigma Phi, Redeemer United Methodist Church of DeWitt, and St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary (Mt. Clemens, MI). She served several years as cub scout and girl scout leader. Barb was also a former city council member for the City of DeWitt, MI, and was an active member of the Republican Party.

Barbara was integral in helping to establish the first EMT training program in the state of Michigan. While serving as the financial officer for the Michigan Regional Medical Program, she and her staff received a congressional commendation for outstanding grant writing and administration for the training program. She later worked for the Tri-County March of Dimes in Dayton, OH and other small businesses. After relocating to Rockford, MI Barb and Fred opened Rambling Rogue Farm Day Care, Inc. where they ran a full-service childcare facility until her retirement in 1997.

In 1997, Barb moved to Lakeland, Florida, where she fashioned herself the social director of her retirement community and served as treasurer of the Lakeside Hills Estate Association. She was also a member of the North Lakeland Kiwanis Club and was an active member of the Lake Gibson United Methodist Church.

Barb was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Frederick B. Towns, her sisters Evelyn Stockton and Opal Melrose, her brother Graham T. Melrose, and son-in-law Matt Webb.

She is survived by her children Stephen Towns of Baroda, MI; Michael (Melissa) Towns of Ft. Myers, FL, Diane (Terry) Epps of Coldwater, MI; Laura Webb of DeWitt, MI; Suzanne (Frank) Allen of Holland, MI; and Karen (Brian) Barrett of Canadian Lakes, MI; sixteen grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place, and there will be a celebration of life on May 17, 2025 at Prairie Creek Golf Club in Dewitt. The family will receive guests at 11:00 am with a celebration service at noon. A luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan or to the Michigan Alzheimer’s Association.