In Loving Memory of Yvonne Delaney Townsend

November 29, 1931 – May 3, 2025

It is with sadness for our earthly loss, but with joy in our hearts knowing of her heavenly gain, that we announce the passing of our beloved Yvonne Delaney Townsend. Yvonne passed peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the blessed age of 93. Yvonne was born on November 29, 1931, at Governor Hill Lake in Dixie County, Florida, to the late Bertis Lee Delaney and Mable Blanche Higginbotham Simmons (Delaney). Yvonne was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was blessed to live a life long enough to become a great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She was the heart of the Townsend family and a devoted member of the Hatchbend Apostolic Church.

Yvonne devoted her life to serving the Lord and her family. Ever a peaceful, calm, and consistent presence wherever she went, Yvonne was always full of love for her family and proud of their accomplishments. She loved spending time with her family and especially loved it when her large family gathered on Thanksgiving to celebrate.

A loving and devoted mother, Yvonne instilled in her four children to work hard, love their family, and to live for God. Yvonne's wisdom, unwavering love, and dedication to her family and God will leave an enduring legacy. The memories she has created will forever be cherished, and her love will remain with us all.

Yvonne was predeceased by her parents, Bertis Delaney and Mable Simmons (Delaney), and her brother, Carlton Lee Delaney. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Ray Townsend (d. 1980) and her dear eldest son, Lewis Ray Townsend, Jr. (April 7, 2025).

Yvonne is survived by three of her children: Avis Jordan (Earl), Kenny Townsend (Kathie), and Paul Townsend (Teresa). She is survived by her eleven grandchildren: Tammy Ferris (Tony), Thomas Jordan, Tracie Sands (Dean); Delaina Wilson (Darren), Michael Townsend (Carol Ann), Ray Townsend (Tammy); Erin Bias (Rob), Darrell Townsend (Amy); Tonya Townsend, Randy Townsend (Renae), and Tyler Townsend. She is also survived by 35 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at HATCHBEND APOSTOLIC CHURCH, 503 SE Cephas Liston Road, Branford, FL. Interment will follow in Old Walker Creek Cemetery in Branford, FL. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Gateway-Forest lawn Funeral Home in Lake City, FL.   Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL 32025.  Please leave words of comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com .