Johnnie Sue Eads Townsend

Johnnie Sue Eads Townsend

January 22, 1933 – April 11, 2021

Johnnie Sue Eads Townsend, age 88, known to close friends and family as simply “Dude,” passed peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Sunday evening, April 11, 2021.

Johnnie was born on January 22, 1933, a native of Henderson County in the Darden, TN community. Johnnie graduated from Lexington High School in 1951. She married her sweetheart, Maurice Neal Townsend, in February 1955, and had a wonderful 64 years of marriage. M.N. preceded her in death in October 2019.

Johnnie was known to always have projects going on around the Townsend family home. She was a tremendous cook, seamstress, and very crafty. She loved freezing fresh vegetables, canning pepper relish, sour kraut, and sweet pickles. Her family would tell you that she made the very best turkey and dressing! She always had fresh brownies and Angel Food cake on hand for anyone who might stop by for a visit. Her church family, friends, and fundraisers always knew they could count on Ms. Johnnie to provide delicious white beans, corn bread, chicken, or other foods when needed. Johnnie loved digging around in her flowers, landscaping, and insisted on maintaining an immaculate home.

Johnnie’s greatest love was the cherished tradition of spending weekends and holidays with M.N., her children, and grandchildren at the family cabin on the Tennessee River. Johnnie’s seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren are blessed to have known her especially well. She displayed unconditional love for her grand and great-grandchildren and was known as their beloved “Moms” and “Granny Dude.”

Johnnie was preceded in death by her mother, Lydia Hays Eads, her father, Isaac Blaine Eads, her brother, Cloell Eads, and her sister, Tommie Eads Graves.

Johnnie is survived by her two children: Pam (Ronnie) Townsend Vise of Parsons and Neal (Cathy) Townsend of Franklin.

Seven grandchildren: Hayley (Lee) Vise Wyatt of Decaturville, Hannah (Ryan) Vise Burke of Union City, Jonna (Tim) Vise Pfountz of Lebanon, Blayne (Zach) Vise Rogers of Lexington, Chase (Katie) Vise of Darden, Anna Townsend & Josh Townsend of Franklin.

Nine great-grandchildren: Hayden and Landon Wyatt, Blakely and Hadley Burke, Adalyn and Gavin Pfountz, Zane and Lawson Rogers, Hattie Beth Vise.

Johnnie was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Parsons, TN.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, April 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Parsons Mortuary in Parsons with Brother Kevin Bromley officiating. The family will receive friends on April 13 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Parsons Mortuary and from 9:00 am until the service at 11:00 am on April 14. Serving as Pallbearers: Josh Townsend, Chase Vise, Lee Wyatt, Ryan Burke, Tim Pfountz, and Zach Rogers. Honorary Pallbearers are great-grandsons: Hayden & Landon Wyatt, Zane & Lawson Rogers, and Gavin Pfountz. Great-granddaughters: Adalyn Pfountz, Blakely & Hadley Burke, and Hattie Beth Vise. Burial to follow at Mt. Ararat Cemetery in Darden, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church Parsons Building Fund or Mt. Ararat Cemetery Fund. Parsons Mortuary in Parsons, TN is in charge of services.
 

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