Shirley Alberta (Guthrie) Townsend

Shirley Alberta Guthrie Townsend, 88, of Sullivan passed sweetly into the open arms of Jesus on Sunday October 6, 2024 surrounded by family that loved her dearly. Shirley entered this life in Odon Indiana on December 8, 1935 as one of five children born to Walter and Lura Ice Guthrie. She was Valedictorian of the Odon High School Class of 1953. In December of 1952 she married the love of her life, Lee Townsend. They loved life while nurturing their 6 children and were deeply rewarded watching their grandchildren and great grand-children explore life.

Shirley taught Adult Basic Education and also enjoyed being a teachers aid for Southwest School Corporation for many years. She was an active member of Sullivan First Baptist Church where she worked in children’s ministries, was a choir member and deaconess along with many other volunteer positions over the last 52 years. She was the willing hand and heart of Jesus, where there was a need.

Shirley was a devoted, loving wife, mother and nana. She was the caring woman of which Proverbs 31:10 speaks. She truly loved and cared for her family and friends. She truly was gifted with abundant love for those she met along life's way.  She  enjoyed playing euchre and was a member of the once a week Hand and Foot card club. She enjoyed growing flowers, watching the birds and searching for seashells on the beach.

Those gone before her are her parents, a son, Billy Townsend, siblings, Marvin Guthrie, Margaret Fisher, Mary Etta Porterfield and Janet Price

Those with lifetime memories to cherish are her husband of 71 years, Lee Townsend; children, Larry Townsend (Kandee), Kathy Burdine (Bill),  Maureen Kirk, Paula Hobbie-Wright (Demry) and Amy Cox (Tom); grandchildren, Christy, Danielle, Lance, Katelin, Kyle, Rachel, Josh, Joanna, Lea, Jenna and Tommy along with 10 great grandchildren.

Friends and family may pay their respects on Friday, October 11, 2024 at Holmes Memorial Chapel from 10:00 am until time of service at 12:00 pm with Pastor Tim Fleace officiating. She will be laid to rest at Center Ridge Cemetery following the service.