Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Leta Alice Townsend, age 96, passed away at home on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Leta was born on April 24, 1929 in Valle Crucis to the late Lee and Aggie Lowrance. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Edwin Townsend; and granddaughter, Vickie Ann Helton.

Leta was a retired CNA who was passionate about caring for others. She was an avid gardener and baker, known for her Elvis Presley pound cake and cat head biscuits. She also enjoyed reading, quilting, and watching the Atlanta Braves. Leta loved deeply and cherished spending time with her family. She will be dearly missed.

Leta is survived by her children, Charles Townsend, Teressa Benfield (David), Sherrie Thurston (Mike), Bedford Townsend, Elden Annas (Jeff), and Laird Townsend; grandchildren, Amy, Angel, April, Chuck, Crystal, Dawn, Holly, Melinda, Miranda, and Shelley; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Logan Rash officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Holy Cross Episcopal Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Leta's memory to The Church of the Holy Cross, Vale Crucis, P.O. Box 645, Highway 194 Valle Crucis, NC 28691.

Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Townsend family.