Mrs. Elizabeth Townsend

Obituary For Mrs. Elizabeth Townsend

Mrs. Elizabeth Townsend was born on March 10, 1947, in Lakeview, SC, to the late James and Albertine Ford. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Gwendolyn Arnette, James Jr. Ford, Tecumseh Ford, Amanda Johnson, Rosa Lee Thompson, Hazel Strickland, Dorothy Page, Cassie Ford, and Albert Ford.

She graduated from Lakeview High School, Class of 1965, where she met her high school sweetheart, Perry C. Townsend. They married in 1967 and together they built a life in High Point, NC. Elizabeth embraced her roles as a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother, with her faith and family always at the center of her world. She and Perry enjoyed 40 treasured years together in marriage, prior to his passing in 2007.

Elizabeth accepted Christ at an early age and began her spiritual walk at Union African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lakeview, SC. After moving to High Point, she became a member of Greater New Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend E.J. Love, Senior Pastor. In 1988, Elizabeth united with Temple Memorial Baptist Church, first under the leadership of Reverend Leonard Macon and now under the leadership of Reverend Jamarcus Bunn. She remained a faithful and active member for more than 37 years until her illness. A woman of unwavering faith, Elizabeth found joy in serving others. She was celebrated for her welcoming spirit, boundless energy, and steadfast devotion to God.

Grace and dignity defined Elizabeth. She had an impeccable sense of fashion, timeless elegance, and captivating charm. She brought beauty, style, and light into the lives of all who knew her.

Professionally, Elizabeth retired from Adam Millis Industries after twenty years of loyal service and also shared her talents with other textile and furniture companies throughout the greater High Point area. Also known as an exceptional seamstress, her meticulous attention to detail left a lasting impression on all who requested her services.

Elizabeth found joy in gardening, traveling, cruising, and cooking. She was an avid reader and loved Harlequin romance novels. She carried a lifelong passion for education, instilling its value in her children. Above all, she treasured spending time with her family and friends.

She leaves behind her beloved daughters, Cynthia Taylor (Terence) of Fayetteville, GA, and Patricia Townsend of Charlotte, NC; and the light of her life, her three grandchildren: Jonell Taylor, Spencer Taylor, and Kelsy Grisson; Elizabeth is lovingly remembered by her three surviving siblings: Mary Ellen Locke (Adrienne) of Detroit, MI, Betty Jean Graham of Fair Bluff, N.C., and Ernestine Brown of Lakeview, S.C. She is also lovingly remembered by her dear friend, Cathy Mitchell (Ron) of Greensboro, NC, and her beloved neighbor of 47 years, Mamie Shaw of High Point, NC.

Elizabeth’s legacy continues through a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, other relatives, her Temple Memorial church family, and countless friends. Though she will be deeply missed, her remarkable life and enduring achievements will forever be celebrated.

Funeral service will be held Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Temple Memorial Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Guilford Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:30 p.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.