Deacon John Walter Townsend

John Walter Townsend was born on June 25, 1934, in Decatur, Alabama to Anna Mae (Carter) Townsend and Walter Townsend who preceded him in death.  He was the eldest of two children born to that union. He and his brother James Samuel Townsend, born two years later, were very close throughout their entire life. They were energetic and sometimes mischievous youths of which many stories are still told about their adventures growing up. John was an avid protector of his little brother, and they took care of each other.

John graduated from Decatur Negro High School in 1952. He was an excellent artist, musician, and academic student. He loved to draw, and his artistic style of drawing was well-known by his teachers and his peers. From a young age, John loved his family and others. He would take extra money to school to share with children so they could get food or enjoy a trip to the movies on the weekends.

John met his lifetime love, Barbara Jean Mastin on an afternoon drive arranged by his cousin, the late Rev. Thomas H. Matthews, and Barbara Jean’s neighbor Virginia Matthews. When first asked about whether he was Barbara Jean’s boyfriend, John responded “I wouldn’t have Barbara Jean on a Christmas Tree”. He later stated he was under the impression the question was being asked about another young lady.  After that was straightened out, John and Barbara did become boyfriend and girlfriend. He once drew a map for her of the United States to help her with a homework assignment. The teacher easily recognized that it was the work of John Walter.

John gave his life to Christ when he was 18 years old. He was scheduled to be baptized, but his supervisor at the box factory scheduled him to work the same day and would not allow him to leave early. John quit that job in order to be baptized. He joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Decatur, Alabama where Barbara Jean’s Father, Robert Mastin, was Chairman of the Deacon Board. John shared his love for Christ and his personal testimony to countless individuals throughout his life. It was his favorite point of conversation as well as sharing his love and talent for music and telling funny stories about his real life. The incredible thing is all his adventures would have been a best-selling book!

John and Barbara were married on June 6, 1955. To this union, five children were born, Gloria, Karen (deceased), Derek, Phyllis, and Felicia. Karen passed away from jaundice not long after her birth and a baby boy was stillborn.

From his early years until his dying day, John loved family and wanted to make sure everyone knew they were loved and thought about. He had so many people he cared for that it would be hard to name them all without missing more than a few. Barbara was raised by her father but didn’t know her mother. John made it his mission to find Barbara’s mother and reunite them, and he did. He found her mother, Mary Rice, and three siblings, Willie Lee (Pat) Williams, Hezzie (Joe) Rice (Alberta), and Dorothy Louise Grays.

John moved to Cleveland in 1955.  He later moved his family to Cleveland. The family joined Second Lakeview Church around 1958.  On August 31, 1980, John joined Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorship of the late Rev. Dr. George O. Stewart. He quickly became an active member singing in the Mass Choir, recording services and programs, providing music for events, and serving as a Deacon for many years. He also enjoyed leading songs, occasionally singing with Pastor Stewart, and participating in programs such as the White House Tea where he portrayed Ray Charles. John served as the secretary for the Deacon Ministry for some years until he became ill. John was an accomplished musician who played by ear and loved entertaining friends and family. He played in a talent competition on a cruise which he and Barbara attended with church members and won a trophy that looks like an Oscar.

John was preceded in death by his brother Floyd Townsend, sisters, Emma Pearl Fennell and Valerie Virginia Brown.

John leaves to cherish his memories:

Wife, Barbara Jean Townsend, brothers, James Samuel Townsend (Laura deceased) and Thomas Townsend, and sister, Angela Townsend

4 Children - Gloria Johnson, Derek Townsend, (Pamela), Phyllis Richards (Arthur Hardee), and Felicia Townsend Ivey

14 Grandchildren - Freida Luckett (Kristopher), Demetrius Townsend (Marla Charlton), Cherise Doyle (Adam) Robert Richards (Melinda), Yoleetah Ilodi (George), Levester Johnson, Jr., Derek Townsend, II, Donita Williams, Mia Ivey, Sam Hargesheimer, Bradley Hargesheimer (Alexandra), Adam Hargesheimer, Jacob Hargesheimer, and Mikaela Zukaitis

17 Great Grands - Alexis Castelli (Dedrick Armstrong), Audriannah Johnson, Makayla “Kai” Doyle, Makenna “Adrian” Doyle, Jonah Doyle, Morgan Luckett, Justin Doyle, Larry Brown, Zas-Rene King, Koran King, Jaycob Charlton Braelyn Townsend, Braxton Townsend, Dominic Ilodi, Layla Richards, John Ilodi, and Jordyn Jones

4 Great Great Grands - Zakari Armstrong and Zameera Armstrong, Kalyn Brown, Kennedy Brown

John was also loved by his Bonus Children, Shirley Smith (deceased), Kondra White, Deidre Amos, James and Myra Marbury, Bonus Son and Nephew Michael Townsend, Bonus Daughters and Nieces Sandra Renee Fennell, and April Fennell, Bonus Great Grands, Ceceillia “Cece” Garrett, Justin Hardee, Jr., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and church family.

The Townsend Family will acknowledge your kindness in the coming days. Thank you for walking with us during this season of bereavement.

Blessings,
The Family of Deacon John Walter Townsend

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