Lelia Louise Townsley

Lelia “Louise” (Yett) Townsley, loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother went to be with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on her 86th birthday on Tuesday, December 6, 2017. She was born in Blanco, Texas to Grady Felps Yett and Lucy Olevia (Walsmith) Yett. Louise was the oldest of three children. On October 11, 1947, Louise married the love of her life, James Monroe Townsley, who predeceased her. They were blessed with 68 years and eleven months of marriage.

Louise will be remembered as a kind and gentle Christian lady who was deeply loved and cherished by all those who knew her. She had a smile that would light up a room. She was easy to talk to and was an instant lifelong friend even if you just met her. Louise warmly welcomed family and friends into her home. Louise enjoyed cooking and baking during the holidays and other gatherings. Not given to pretention, Louise loved her garden, from putting in the seeds, watering, tending, gathering and canning all of the bounty. Of course, serving those green beans in the winter months pleased her very much. Louise's love of the outdoors extended to her yard which included growing a lush lawn, many rose bushes, and potted plants. She enjoyed wildlife and birds. Her favorite bird species was the cardinal family which could be because they were her favorite color.

She was devoted to her family and had many pictures of each one throughout her home.

For over 60 years, Louise and her husband, Jim, humbly worked for the Lord, winning souls one by one. They went to Mexico serving as the Lord’s missionaries several times and through their prison ministries, witnessed to those in Texas prisons. They served in regular churches in the Austin area as well as setting up tent revivals for some “old time” religion. Jim played a guitar, and with Louise, would sing gospel songs. Louise had a beautiful voice and could sing like an angel.

In addition to her soulmate, James, Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Grady and Olevia Yett, and brothers, Grady Yett and Bobby Yett.

Louise will be greatly missed by her four daughters and their husbands: Diane and Jim Hardy, Debbie and Larry Schuessler, Donna and Philip Bonner, Denise and Lester Johnson, Jr.

Grandchildren: Ross Hardy, Dennis and Christie Schuessler, Darren Schuessler, Dana Schuessler and Robert Mumm, Stewart and Ann Bonner, Matt and Beth DeVille, Crystal and Wade Williams, Karen and Jason Averett.

Great-Grandchildren: Ethan Schuessler, Marissa Schuessler, Madison Schuessler, Alex Griffin, Haley Griffin, Wyatt Mumm, Brooks Bonner, Sutton Bonner, Shaw Bonner, Drew DeVille, Jake DeVille, Travis Williams, Blake Williams, Lelia Schoenfeldt, Madeline Martin, Cameron Averett, Joel Averett.

Sister-in-law: Ruby Yett and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Wesleyan at Scenic and Wesleyan Hospice in Georgetown, Texas, for the excellent care provided to our Mother; with a special thank you to Amy Minor, indeed a guardian angel among us. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank the many caregivers, med-aids, volunteers, and others who provided so much love, comfort, and care to Mama while she transitioned to her heavenly reward. You all were Mother’s angels here on Earth.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 12, 2017, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Condra Funeral Home, 503 Talbot St., Taylor, Texas. A Celebration of Louise’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 13th, at 10:00 am at Condra Funeral Home. Interment scheduled for 1:00 pm at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.

Flowers and contributions to the charity of your choice are both welcome. A suggested flower shop is: Unique Celebrations, 129 North Evie, Bartlett, Texas 76511