Mrs. Denise Starr Townsend

Hickory- Denise Starr Townsend, 63, went to her heavenly home December 9th, 2015 after a courageous fight with cancer. She fought her battle with determination and a smile. Denise was born May 13, 1952 in Catawba County to Bob Starr and the late Shirley Miller Abernathy. She was preceded in death by a sister Gail Abernathy Buffington and her step mother June Starr. She was a member at Vintage City Church. She had worked for Dr. Coke S. Gunter and Dr. Bryan Graham for many years. The family wishes to thank the doctors and her coworkers for their support during her sickness. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Earnest Townsend, two son’s; Dustin Townsend and Lance Townsend and his wife Alexandria of Longview, a grandson; the light of her life, Dez Townsend, her father Bob Starr of Fayetteville, step father Howard Abernathy of Hickory, brothers; Bobby Starr and his wife Cathy of Fayetteville and Brian Starr and his wife Karen of Salt lake City, Utah, Hal Abernathy and his wife Lori of Granite Falls, and three sisters; Joli Burkhalter and her husband Tommy, Gaye Lowman and her husband Terry, both of Connelly Springs, Hope Skoney and husband Jim of Birmingham, Alabama, and many nieces and nephews and other family members that will miss her. She also left behind three very special friends, Quin Cline, Evelyn Robertson and Mary Pruitt. The family will receive friends on Friday December 11th from 6 PM until 8 PM at Hickory Funeral Home. A celebration of her life will be held at Lake Hickory Country Club on a later date. Condolences may be given online at www.hickoryfh.com. The family of Denise Townsend is in the care of Hickory Funeral Home.