Lillian Townsend

Services will be held Saturday, noon at M.U. Baptist Church. Lillian Townsend was a devout Christian, dedicated educator, and community service champion. The Macon, Mississippi native was a graduate of Ministerial Institute (M&I) High School and Alcorn State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. She also received a Master’s Degree in Education from Mississippi State University. Business administration and business education were near and dear to her heart and evident through nearly three decades of employment with the Columbus Public School System. An extremely bright and inquisitive daughter of Percy and Callie Brooks, Lillian accepted Christ at an early age at Sylvian Ridge Missionary Baptist Church in Macon. Religion being at the core of the Brooks family values, Lillian was an active member in the church and these activities were at the center of the family's social life. Her commitment to serving the Lord continued throughout her youth into adulthood. In 1965, Lillian married Rev. Arthur R. Townsend. To this union, two children were born, Richard Warren and Debra. She enjoyed being First Lady and was a committed supporter of his ministry. Her husband and son preceded her in death, and her legacy lives on through her daughter, Debra, and god-daughter, Dr. Vallee Adams Rolle. Lillian’s commitment to public service was evident through her membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She joined the sorority through the Golden Triangle Alumnae Chapter, a special and unique bond that she also shared with her daughter and god-daughter. In the years since her retirement, Lillian continued to serve others through her church, the Columbus-Lowndes County Chapter of the Links, Inc., the Alcorn State University Alumni Association, the Mississippi State University Alumni Association, and National Baptist Convention and the Northeast Mississippi Baptist State Convention. Her spare time consisted of connecting with family and friends, traveling, and spending time with Debra. Survivors include Daughter, Debra of Atlanta, GA and god-daughter, Vallee Adams Rolle (Bill) of Harrisburg, PA. Siblings: She was preceded in death by Hayden Williams, Harlan Brooks, Delois Brooks, and Percy Brooks, Jr. She leaves Drew Brooks (Sylvester) of St. Louis, MO, Howard German (Bessie-deceased) of Tuscaloosa, AL, Hazel Johnson (Dennis) of Macon, MS, Wil Brooks (Linda) of Charlotte, NC, George Brooks (Ethel) of Jackson, MS, and Bernard Brooks (Annie) of Macon, MS. Lillian was also very close to her sisters-in-law, Delorice Williams of Macon, MS, Stella Brooks of Kansas City, MO, Gloria Brooks of Clinton, MS, Mattie Fountain (Herman) of Starkville, MS, Mary Harrell (Jimmie-deceased) of Starkville, MS, and Amanda Sykes, (Walter-deceased) of West Point, MS. Her memory will also live on in the hearts of a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Lillian Townsend

May 10, 2023

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Lillian Townsend

May 10, 2023

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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