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Obituary For Sampson Lovely Townes, Sr.
Reverend Sampson Lovely Townes, Sr.
Reverend Sampson Lovely Townes, Sr., completed his earthly assignment and was awarded his wings on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, with his family by his side. He was born on March 19, 1930 in Mecklenburg County, Virginia to the late Doctor Townes and Mider Townes.
Sampson attended Finchley Elementary School. He accepted Jesus Christ into his life at an early age and joined St. John African American Episcopal Church in 1949.
Sampson was married to the former Mary Mason on May 9, 1951. This union was blessed with 7 children.
In 1955 he was ordained into the ministry and was appointed pastor of Mount Zion in Boydton, Virginia. In 1960 he was bonded to perform marriages. He pastored several churches including Marshall Chapel in Lynchburg, Virginia, Harmony Circuit, Mount Pisgah, Traynham Grove in South Boston, Virginia, Saint Michaels in Riverdale and St. John in Finchley, Virginia. He served 26 years as pastor to Mount Pisgah, St. John, and St. Michael A.M.E. Sampson served 36 years as pastor from the Virginia A.M.E. Conference until retirement due to conference due to age limitation law.
Sampson worked on Buggs Island Dam until completion, 18 years at Tunstall Mine in North Carolina until closure, 50 plus years at owning his own business in farming.
Reverend Townes, Sr., was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Bell Mason Townes; brothers, Fulton Townes, Myelon Townes, Abraham Townes, Vincent Townes; sisters, Trentace Jones, Alice Burwell, Matilda T. Anderson and Martha T. Martin.
Reverend Townes, Sr., is survived by his 7 children; Doctor Junior Townes, Sampson L. Townes, Jr. (Audrey), Stanley L. Townes, Mary Lee Townes, Martha Ann Townes, Charlene T. Harper (Calvin), Barbara T. Jefferson (Wayne); brother, Moses Townes; sister-in-law, Alice Bibbs; 4 granddaughters; 3 grandsons; 2 unborn great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, friends and family.
Funeral service was held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at the Carter’s Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend L. Daniel King delivering the eulogy with burial in the St. John African American Episcopal Church.
Carter’s Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
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My condolences to all the family and friends of Mr.Townes.May the memories you have made together help bring you comfort.
To the family of Sampson Townes, may the Lord embrace you with His loving arms to comfort you and to let you know He is with you always. I remember Mr. Townes and Mrs. Townes when they would come into Cvs pharmacy, I loved talking with them.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
