Sister Velma Brookins Townsend was born to the late Finis Brookins and the late Mary Lou Brunson Brookins on April 18, 1928.
She joined the Mt. Mariah Baptist Church at an early age, where she was a faithful member. She served as the secretary of the Sunday School and the Home Mission Society, and she was also a member of the choir. She was a bus driver for the Choctaw County School System for over 15 years.
She departed this life on March 28, 2024, at the residence of her daughter.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Finis and Mary Lou Brunson Brookins; her husband, Robert Townsend; her son, Willie Townsend; her stepson, Lonnie Townsend (Ida); 2 grandchildren, Gregory Townsend and Theresa Sylvester; 1 great grand, Kyjana Gardner.
She leaves to cherish her memories to 5 devoted daughters: Catherine (Alfred-deceased) Glenn, Lou Anne (Len) Rowe, Flora (Riley) Eddie, Shirley (Caldaro) Eddie, Angela (Timothy) Wiley, all of Lisman, AL; 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Hettie Jean Ruffin, Lisman, AL; 1 brother, Herbert Ruffin, Akron, OH; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.