L. Cannie Townsend

Brother L. Cannie “L.C.” Townsend, our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, went home to be with our Lord on Thursday, December 7, 2017. Age 86 years. He was born March 20, 1931 in Troy, Alabama to Jeff Berry Townsend and Jessie Mae Owens-Townsend.

L.C. married the love of his life, Mary Lou McNeal-Townsend on February 7, 1952 in Pike County, Alabama and brought her to Saginaw, Michigan in the early 50’s. Together they enjoyed 61 years of marital bliss raising their family of five. L.C. worked for General Motors Grey Iron Foundry over 35 years and was a member of UAW Local 668. He loved hunting and fishing, but gardening was his favorite hobby. L.C. was a member of New Life Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Rufus Bradley. He was on the Security Ministry, Custodial, Kitchen, and Greeter ministries, and was a member of the Super Senior Group. L.C. truly loved his church. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

L.C. leaves to cherish his memories two sons, Jeffery W. (Rebecca) Townsend, Saginaw, Michigan and Michael (Valerie) Townsend, Lake Worth, Florida; one daughter, Patricia (Mack) Young, Saginaw, Michigan; two brothers, Oliver W. (Nora Pearl) Townsend, Saginaw, Michigan, Willie J. (Grace) Townsend, Troy, Alabama; two brothers-in-law, James (Mariah) McKinney and Leonard Burns, Saginaw, Michigan; sister-in-law, Bertha McBride, Houston, Texas; eight grandchildren, Quincy Townsend, James Townsend, Troy Townsend, Jayvon Garth, Tamariah Townsend, Christopher Townsend, Jr., LaKeshia Young, and Dominick Wirrick; several great-grandchildren and a special great-granddaughter, Bianca Tyler; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and devoted friends; a dear friend of the family, Leona Fairley.

L.C. was predeceased by his wife, Mary Lou McNeal-Townsend; his parents, Jeff Berry Townsend and Jessie Mae Owens-Townsend; one brother, Odes (Lillian) Townsend; eight sisters, Lillie R. (Arthur) Davenport, Hattie M. (Rufus) Jackson, Jessie L. (William) Jackson, Willie M. (R.B.) Brundidge, Emma K. (Buford) Gaiter, Annie G. Burns, Dorothy Copeland, and Vera Fuller; two grandchildren, Aricka S. Tyler and LaToya Tyler.

The family would like to thank the staff of Avista Nursing & Rehab, Saginaw, Michigan and St. Mary’s of Michigan Medical Center for their genuine care and support.