Mary Townes

Obituary For Mary Townes

Mary Bell Mason Townes

Mary Bell Mason Townes completed her earthly assignment and was awarded her wings on Saturday, July 19, 2025 with her family by her side. She was born February 1, 1936 in Mecklenburg County, Virginia to the late Andrew Lee and Jennie Ivy Mason. Mary was preceded in death by her sisters, Ida Carter, Dolly Bryant, Daisy Pettus, Dorothy Green, Geneva Hooker, Edith Brooks; brothers, Lewis Terry, Frank Mason and Edward Mason.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Reverend Sampson L. Townes, Sr., of 74 years; seven children; sons, Doctor Junior Townes, Sampson L. Townes (Audrey), Stanley L. Townes; daughters, Mary Lee Townes, Martha Ann Townes, Charlene T. Harper (Calvin) and Barbara T. Jefferson (Wayne); seven grandsons, Isaiah M. Coleman, Sampson L. Townes, III, Jayson Pender, James C. Jefferson (Keshelle); granddaughters, Sharita M. Harper, Danielle M. Townes, Taylor J. Cason (Devan); sister, Alice Bibbs; one brother, Earl Mason (Ruby); a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Mary accepted Jesus Christ into her life at an early age and was a longstanding member of St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church. She began her education in the Mecklenburg County School System and attended Finchley Elementary School. Mary was a homemaker and housewife for most of her life and concentrated her time on her favorite passions, her children, grandchildren, flowers and gardening.

Mary truly loved her family. She had a heart of gold and was always putting the needs of others before her own. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025 at the Carter’s Funeral Home Chapel, Clarksville, Virginia. The family will receive friends at 11:00AM and service will begin at 12 Noon. Burial will follow at the St. John African American Episcopal Church, Wilkerson Road and Puryear Store Road, Finchley, Virginia.

Pastor Ronald Thornhill of the Tabernacle of Zion Church of Lawrenceville, Virginia will deliver the eulogy.