Debra Yvonne Hughes Townsend

Born August 1, 1955 in Edmond, OK, she and her family moved to Athens, GA in 1958, where she grew up and graduated from Cedar Shoals High School in 1974. She immediately began working with the University of Georgia Vet School and later with the Georgia Center for Continuing Education, both as a Senior Secretary. In 1995 she was employed with the Oconee County School System until her retirement in 2012.

Her illness developed slowly over the past 13 years, and three strokes later it has taken her home.

She was preceded in passing by her parents: Regina Hughes and Jay W. Hughes; and sister, Rhonda Lea Hughes Garrison.

Debra is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Glenn A. Townsend; daughter, Maygan L. Townsend (Brett) of Athens; son, Travis M. Townsend (Michele) of Greenville, SC; brother, Rodney L. Hughes (Jackie) of Simpsonville, SC; sister, Reta Jean Shook of Stephens, GA; grandson, Barrett Allen Townsend of Greenville, SC; and several nieces and nephews.

A special word of thanks goes to the St. Mary’s Hospice caretakers Lori/RN and Veronica/CNA, along with Teresa Harris Home Healthcare LLC (Teresa, Shae, Lexie, and Meme).

A Celebration of Life will be held at Watkinsville First United Methodist Church in Watkinsville on Sunday, July 20, 2025. Friends and family visitation is from 2:00-3:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall with the service immediately following in the Sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Athens YMCA “Kelley’s Boys” Capital Campaign.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.