Katherine Duffey Townsend, age 92, of Chesterfield, Virginia passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 10, 2022, surrounded by family and loved ones. She was reunited in death with her loving, devoted husband of 65 years, Willie G. Townsend; and her eldest daughter, Patricia Campbell. She is survived by four daughters, Sandy Layne (Claude) of Charlotte County, Peggy Ray (Bryan) of Chesterfield County, Debbie Spillman (Clay) of Cumberland County, and Lisa Townsend of Richmond; as well as nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Katherine was born in Charlotte County on January 1, 1930, the second of three daughters of Berkley and Nannie Scott Duffer. After losing her mother at the age of five, she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Virginia and Joel Hudson, along with their nine children. At the age of 17, Katherine married Willie and they began their life together, raising their five daughters first in Charlotte County and later in the Richmond area after moving there in the late 1960’s.
Katherine enjoyed visits from her family, working in her yard and home, and was known for her exceptional southern cooking. She always had food ready for her family and other visitors. She worked for over 20 years part-time with Chesterfield County Schools, using her talents to feed school children, and retired in 1995.
She will be greatly missed by her children and grandchildren, who will carry her memory in their hearts forever.
A graveside service will be held at 11 am on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery, Drakes Branch, VA. The Reverend Dewey Barker will be officiating. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, is respectfully serving the Townsend family.
Condolence Messages
Leave Your Condolence
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published.
Freida Hensley
Keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Margaret
Our hearts are is with you in your time of sorrow.
Brenda Green Powell
My mother, Shirley Hidson Tate, adored Katherine and spoke highly of her as long as I can remember.
When Katherine lived with them, she was 10 years older than my mother. As a little girl, mama said she looked up to Katherine and thought she was so pretty and wanted to be just like her.. She said when Katherine married she just cried and cried. I am sure you all have so many wonderful memories likewise. God Bless.
Cheryl Whirley
Prayers for God’s Peace and Comfort.
Robin Martin Pineda
Lisa was my best childhood friend. We stole Mrs. Townsend’s salt shaker and ate her tomatoes off the vine. She pretended to get mad but she loved us. She was a sweet, tough, Southern Lady through and through who was always kind to me. If she only knew how rotten we really were! I appreciate her taking me to church. She bought me my first Bible. It had my name on it. I still have it. I loved her sweet ways and I know she is praising our Lord in Heaven. Until we meet again.
Ann Tharpe Newman
I am so very sorry to hear this. There simply are no words. I lost contact with Aunt Katherine through the years and had tried to call her just last week. My heart aches along with all of yours. Please always know that you all are in my prayers. I love you all dearly, as I did her. ❤
Kaye Lucado
Katherine was a wonderful woman. She and my Mom, Isabel Bolton were good friends. Love to all of her family. Kaye Bolton Lucado
Belinda Townsend Hammock
Sandy, Peggy, Debbie, and Lisa,
My thoughts are with you during this emotional time. May your precious memories bring you some comfort during this sad time of loss. Oh I bet she is having a ball catching up with Uncle Willie and Pat.