Mrs. Velma Modistine Townsend

TOWNSEND, Mrs. Velma Modistine - Age 86, passed away Friday, July 4, 2025 at Majestic Care - Flushing. Family hour 12:00 PM Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church, 1035 E. Carpenter Rd., with funeral service commencing at 1:00 PM. Elder Veotis Jones, officiating. Pastor Alfred Harris Jr., Host Pastor. Interment Gracelawn Cemetery, 5710 N. Saginaw St. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at church 12:00 PM Tuesday. Mrs. Townsend will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Monday. Elder Velma (Modistine) Townsend received her heavenly wings on July 4, 2025. Elder Towsend was born on July 13, 1938, in New Albany, Mississippi, the daughter of Wesley and Alzadie (Ware) Howard. She was an anointed woman of God that searched and studied the word of God with a vengeance along with her husband, Deacon Edward Townsend. Elder Townsend migrated from Wisconsin, MS to Flint, Michigan in 1967. She was a faithful member of New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church for over 52 years until her health declined. Elder Townsend served faithfully for over 10 years as President of the Nurses Ministry. The Lord directed her to the Prayer and Evangelism Ministry where she was a dynamic disciple. Elder Townsend worked in the street ministries for several years and brought the word to Gardenview Senior Home for years. She was a seamstress until her sight failed her. Elder Townsend volunteered for Channel 49 in Saginaw, MI for call in Prayer Requests. She loved people, shopping, cooking, sewing and crafts. Elder Townend made an awesome homemade coconut cake. Elder Velma Townsend leaves to mourn in her passing: husband of 49 years, Deacon Edward Townsend; daughters, Valynthia Harris and Annie Townsend; sons, Steven Harris of De Pere, WI and Antonio (Crystal) Townsend of Indianapolis, IN; sister, Luevetra Crawley of Chicago, IL; step-children, Delisa Townsend of Grand Blanc, MI and Edward Townsend of Virginia Beach, VA; sisters-in-law, Ruth Bryant and Gwendolyn Howard, both of Flint; brother-in-law, Leonard Townsend of St. Louis, MO; granddaughters, Earnest (Whitney) Harris, Ian (Morgan) Armtrong, Ariele Harris, Adrianna, Ariele, Amari, Ta’Jana, Daquandra and Daysha; grandsons, David Harris II, Jalen, and Elijah; great-grandchildren, Khaner, Khamren, Khyer, Iris and David III; god-son, Corey Pierce; special best friends, Judy Miller, and Elder Earlene McKay; daughter-in-love, Cametrice “Peaches” Page manning; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Elder Velma Townsend was preceded in death by her parents, Welsey and Alzadie Howard; brothers, Willim and Huey Howard; daughter, Carol Brown, Kimberly Ellen and Linda Harris; son, David Harris Sr.; sisters, Eutria Stubbs, Loyce Johnson, Maxine Black, and Edoye Bobo; and granddaughter, Toi Dau’lene Blanks. The family would like to express special thanks to Majestic Manor, New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church family, Judy Miller and Betty Peery.

Mrs. Velma Modistine Townsend

July 13, 1938 - July 4, 2025