Lorraine Townsend

Obituary For Lorraine Townsend

Lorraine Charley-Townsend was born on December 21, 1936, to the late, Hubert and Tora Charley in Harlem Hospital, NYC, N.Y. She departed this earthly realm on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Montefiore Hospital after a brief battle of cancer.

Lorraine was reared in a loving household with her parents and siblings: Evelyn, Melvin, Verdell (all deceased) and brother David Leon Charley. Their family became a respectable and prominent family in the streets of Harlem, N.Y. Their apartment building and home became a hang out spot for dinners and family gatherings. Following her brother Melvin to church, Lorraine’s spiritual experience began at Mt. Horeb Holiness Church of God which was in walking distance to their home on 131st Street. Under the leadership of the late, Pastor Alice Stewart, Lorraine attended and love to sing on the choir. Life changed and Lorraine relocated to the Bronx, NY but she continued to support the church periodically for the remaining of her life.

Lorraine received her education through the New York City school system. Earlier years of work with the United Block Association (UBA) in 1967 spirited her into her legacy of community service. She went to be apart of SYEP, 131ST Block Association, opening doors for many of her nieces, nephews and neighborhood youths to keep them occupied and off the streets during their summer vacations. Working at the polls during elections until her health no longer permitted her to do so. She was a well-known figure in the community. Volunteering yearly for NYC Marathon helping with passing out water, assisting and cheering on countless runners over the years where she received an award for being one of the oldest volunteers for them over the years.; Lorraine joined New York Police Department as a PAA I in 1990 retired in 2000.

Lorraine met a most handsome young man, Lawrence Larry Townsend. Falling in love, the couple got married on January 29, 1958. This union was devoted to the children they were blessed with by God: Sherry, Beverly, Wanda, Willie. They showed their love for their family by providing a luxurious lifestyle. Whatever their children wanted, they received. The love and kindness shown were generously given to others outside the family as well. Lorraine was incredibly generous and always willing to go out of her way to help others, whether it was food, clothing or shelter. She was greatly loved and respected by her nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Her greatest joy was baking & cooking for her family. Her cakes and grape jelly sauced meatballs were always a hit. Thanksgiving will not be the same.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Hubert and Tora Charley; brother, Bishop Melvin Charley, Sr. and 2 sisters, Evelyn Lee & Verdell Peterson

Left to cherish her memories is her brother, David Leon (Annie)Charley, of North, SC; 4 children, Sherry, Willie, Beverly & Wanda, (Bronx, NY); Grandchildren: Shawn (Shaunte) Baskerville, of (KC). JaQuan Baskerville, Jordan Townsend of Bx, NY; Great-Grandchildren: Malani, Shawntai, Shawntain (Bx, NY), Shanelle, Sheyenne & Shauntel (KC). A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends

Respectfully Submitted…..The Family

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