Mary Pauline Shipley Townsend, age 98, of Johnson City, Tennessee went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. She was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, a daughter of the late Walter Shipley and Lula Belle Berry Shipley. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Homer Townsend; three brothers, Hubert Shipley, Lester Shipley and Elmer “Dink” Shipley; and one sister, Mildred Tester.
Mary was a member of East Unaka Christian Church where she had worshipped for over 50 years and loved singing in the church choir. She worked as a private duty sitter for many individuals over the years and her family will always remember her as a wonderful homemaker.
She is survived by her three daughters and two son-in-laws, Beverly Gibson and husband Randall, of Johnson City, TN, Mary Townsend, of Johnson City, TN, and Debbi Higgins and husband Garry, of Gray, TN; one son and daughter-in-law, Ronald Townsend and wife Judy, of Huntington Beach,CA; three grandchildren, Samuel Higgins and wife Rachel, of Johnson City, TN, Cheryl Winsten and husband Michael, of San Clemente, CA and Ronald Paul Townsend and wife Laura, of Plymouth, WI; several great and great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Monte Vista Funeral Home with Dr. Wayne Emery and Minister Lamar Garrison officiating. Her daughter Debbi Higgins will deliver a Tribute. A Private Interment will be held in the Garden of the Cross at Monte Vista Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Aaron McKee, Samuel Higgins, Hunter Higgins, James Dennison, Garry Higgins, and Randall Gibson. Honorary pallbearer will be her son, Ronnie Townsend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to East Unaka Christian Church, 1201 E. Unaka Avenue, Johnson City, TN 37601.
Arrangements especially for Mrs. Mary Pauline Shipley Townsend and her family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
