Leona Jean Townsend

Leona “Jean” Townsend, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, was welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior Jesus Christ On Thursday July 28th, 2022. Jean was born in Gibson County, Indiana on February 17, 1936 to Lester and Francis York. While a student nurse she met her future husband, James “Jim” Townsend on a blind double date. It was “love at first site” for her and she told the other girl ”I am going to marry that man” – she did, and they were married for 53 years, until Jim’s untimely passing in 2011. Jean was preceded in her passing by her sister Lena “June” Ross, and is survived by her son, Eric, beloved granddaughter Cleo Townsend, and her three nephews Boyd Ross, Glen Ross, and Wayne Ross whom Jean truly considered more to be brothers than nephews. Jean was born into poverty, but experienced her big break when a nurse recruiter came to her high school and offered a loan from a physician’s family to attend nursing school. Jean grabbed this opportunity and upon graduating nursing school, married Jim. They lived in the states of Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, and eventually Arkansas during which time Jean excelled as a wife, mother, and in her profession being a Director of Nursing and Nursing School Instructor. Jean and Jim had their membership in Immanuel Baptist Church of Little Rock from 1976 until their passing. During the 1980’s both, Jim and Jean, were very active with the Youth Mission Projects at Immanuel and would travel with the youth, Jim being the logistical planner and overall kind, fatherly figure, and Jean being the nurse and care provider for the kids. Starting in 1987, Jean’s life was marked, but not defined by, a series of serious illnesses and physical challenges that would have defeated most people. The same spirit and resiliency with which Jean had overcome so many obstacles previously in life, in combination with the indefatigable love and sacrificial care of Jim, allowed Jean to continue. She had a love for God with whom she now resides, and combined it with a tremendous inner strength to defy all odds and so many obstacles. We now rejoice knowing that Jean is free of all physical encumbrances, pain, embarrassing inconvenience, and strain of life on Earth. She has nonetheless left her example as legacy, one of caring perseverance, love for others, compassion for the suffering, and steadfast resilience for whatever life may bring. In lieu of flowers, Jean would prefer contributions be made to Immanuel Baptist Church. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2002 at Alexander Memorial Park Chapel, 2200 Mesker Park Drive, Evansville, IN, 47720. Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the cemetery chapel. Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.