Mother Mattie Lue Thompkins Townsend
AUGUST 2, 1935 – NOVEMBER 20, 2021
"FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD …" JOHN 3:16

On August 2, 1935, Mother Mattie Lue Thompkins Townsend entered the world as the ninth child born to Porter Thompkins and Julia Moore Thompkins. She was a lifelong resident of the Madison County, FL community. Preceding her in death were both parents; husband: Kary Townsend, Sr.; children: Patricia, Barbara, and Angela; siblings: Effie Harper, Emma Roland, Theodore Thompkins, Porter Thompkins, Henry Thompkins, Nina Belle Chisom, Mary Howard, and Nancy Crawford.

Mother Townsend accepted the Lord as her Savior early in her life and became a member of New Antioch (formerly named Low Antioch) A.M.E. Church where she remained a member until the early 1980s. Her mother felt compelled to return to the family church, Mt. Zion No. 2 (now named Mt. Zion Cherry Lake A.M.E. Church) and Mother Townsend, together with her children, followed her lead. Under the leadership of Pastor David R. King, Mother Townsend willingly offered her time, talent, and service in many capacities. She was dedicated in her service as a Steward, Trustee, Finance Secretary, Stewardess, and Church School member.

Mother Townsend was a product of the public school district, beginning with the New Antioch two-room church school and graduating from Madison County Training School as the Valedictorian for the Class of 1953. Her education was paused for a few years as she married her high school sweetheart, Kary, on October 31st of that same year and later raised their family. Because she believed in education and had the desire to advance her own, she enrolled at North Florida Junior College and obtained her Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree after Angela, her last child was born. With the degree, she was qualified to work as a paraprofessional at Madison Middle School and at Madison Primary School. She was dedicated in this position until her retirement.

Because of her retirement, Mother Townsend was able to assume the role as the major caregiver for her daughter Angela until Angela's transition. Mother Townsend's health also began to decline at the time she was blessed with her first great-grandson, Chalon/"Baby Boy." She had such an attachment for him that she credited him as the reason she began to improve rather than to give in to her condition.

Mother Townsend never met a stranger, for she regarded them as her new friend. Her love for people was her unique way of finding common interests in her conversation with them. She was entertaining in sharing stories about the good ole days when she grew up. She taught valuable life lessons and about life itself. However, those who knew her best would readily say that her favorite topic was her family—her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, for she loved them unconditionally and was very proud of them. She especially enjoyed being pampered by her daughters Delores and Judy and time spent with her loved ones.

Working in her yard, cooking, and reading were some of her favorite pastime activities when she lived at home and was able to do so. She was gratified by each experience.

Servant of God, well done. Rest from thy loved employ. On Saturday, November 20, 2021, Mother Mattie Lue Thompkins Townsend closed her eyes to find eternal rest with the Lord. The battle is fought, and the victory is won. She has entered the Master's joy.

Among those who lovingly cherish her life, legacy and loving memory are her children: Cary (Mary) Townsend, Jr. of Savannah, GA; Marvin (Wanda) Townsend, Judy Townsend, all of Madison, FL; Mark Townsend of Gainesville, FL; Delores Townsend of Madison, FL; and Thomas Townsend of Denton, TX; Grandchildren: Kendra (Earl) Tice-Berry, La Shannon Joseph, and Cary Michael Townsend, all of Jacksonville, FL, Gregory (Danetta) Townsend, of Lee, FL, Shaneika (Chad) Mitchell, Eugenia Pride, and Andrea Moore, all of Madison, FL, Latonya Townsend of Tallahassee, FL, David (Tiffany) Williams of Sherman, TX, and Skye Townsend of Bradenton, FL; great-grandchildren: Chalon Howard of Statesboro, GA, Shaniyah Livingston, Jakori Washington, Da'Vionna Williams, and Bryston Malone all of Madison, FL; Kendan Tice, Jaden, Victory, Caleb, Vanessa, Jamarria, and Cameron Townsend, all of Jacksonville, FL; Adrianna Johnson, Essence Thomas, both of Tallahassee, FL, Elboni Townsend and Gregory Townsend, Jr., both of Lee, FL; Tamya Simmons and Ty'Quan Ross, both of Sherman, TX; Sisters: Julia T. Vereen of Belle Glade, FL and Juanita T. (Charles) Smith, of Griffin, GA.; hosts of sorrowing relatives and loving friends