InLoving

M

Mrs. Ruth

M.

1905-1989

Funeral Services Mine Creek Baptist Church
Saluda, S.C. 29138 Reverend W. R. Thompson, Pastor Sunday, March 12, 1989 - 2:00 p.m.

Obituary
Sister Ruth M. Townsend, the wife of the late Deacon Earnest Townsend, was born March 5, 1905, in Edgefield County to the late Joseph and Lidia Bouknight. She departed this life on March 7, 1989, at approximately 6 p.m. at Self Memorial Hospital, Green wood, S.C.
At an early age she was converted and baptized at Coleman Ridge Baptist Church in Ridge Spring, S.C.
She was united in holy wedlock to the late Deacon Earnest Townsend on November 24, 1923. She subsequently joined her husband as a member of Mine Creek Baptist Church, Saluda, S.C. To this happy relationship nine children were born, four of whom preceded her in death.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, church and community worker.
She loved her church dearly, and never missed Sunday school or morning service as long as her health permitted. At Mine Creek, she was the Mother of the Church, she directed the Usher Board for a number of years, and she was a member of the Burial Aid Society. She was also a member of the Young Ladies of Honor of Johnston, the Ever Ready Club No. One of Saluda, and the Wom en's Aid Society.
Sister Townsend was instrumental in organizing the first youth chapter of the N A A C P in Saluda, and she served as the first youth advisor to that group. In the mid-1960's, she, along with her late husband, was also instrumental in reviving the Saluda Chapter of the NAACP.
Hers, indeed, was a life of steadfast service to her family and community. We are blessed to have known her, and to have been guided by her hand.
Sister Townsend leaves to cherish her memories five children, Leora and Johnnie Roosevelt of New York, Earnest Jr., and Willette of the District of Columbia, and Elester, of Colorado; two sons-inlaw; three daughters-in-law; twenty-three grandchildren; twentyfour great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Bertha Attaway of Johnston, S.C.; one brother, Robert Bouknight of Philadelphia, Pa.; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives, as well as many good friends.

Acknowledgement
The family would like to extend special thanks to the many friends who helped care for our mother when we could not be with her. Your numerous acts of kindness sustained and supported her, as well as us, throughout her prolonged illness. The family also wishes to express their sincere thanks for every act of kindness extended during their hours of bereavement.
PALLBEARERS Nephews
FLOWER BEARERS Ever Ready Club No. One of Saluda
A Tribute From the Children
We'll miss you in our home. We'll miss you in our church. We'll miss your smiling face, But never forget your rules. We love you dearly, Mother, But glad you're out of your pains. You fought your battles so wonderfully;
No one needs to weep. Mother, if we can find a task to do,
And live a life like yours; Then we'll meet you someday, and
Our lives will be a sermon, too.
Arrangements LOGAN FUNERAL HOME
Saluda, S C. 29138