Toni Renee-Townsend Dow

On October 25, 1963 a set of twins were born to Earl and Betty Townsend in the Studewood area (Independent Heights) of Houston, Texas. The boy was named Kelvin Earl and the girl was named Toni Renee. Toni received her formal education from Burres Elementary and Hamilton Jr. High.  She graduated from  S. P. Waltrip Sr. High and attended Houston Community College and then on to The University of Houston where she received her bachelor’s degree. She and Kelvin both joined the Greater Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor C. J. Rigmaiden and were both baptized by Pastor Rigmaiden on August 23, 1973 at the age of 9. Toni was a faithful member of Greater Mt. Zion from her youth through young adulthood. She was an active member of the Youth Church, the Junior Usher Board, the Stars of Harmony Youth Choir, the G.A. Girls, the Young Women’s Association (Y.W.A.), the Beautification Committee and the Sunday School.  Toni also served as a delegate for The National Baptist Convention and was a member of the Houston City-Wide Youth Choir and Organization. Toni was married to Derek Dow on August 8th, 1993.  She and Derek became the proud parents of daughter, Darian and son, Derek II. Toni’s career spanned from being a buyer with Marshall Fields, which afforded her the opportunity for extensive travel not only domestically but abroad as well, to the field in which she settled, Medical Insurance executive. She worked with Harris County and United Healthcare for several years and was with Cigna at the onset of her illness. Toni was a loving wife, extraordinary mother, devoted daughter and sister.  She was a lover of family and embraced family whether connected by blood or not She was a true friend to whomever she called friend. She was the ultimate gift giver and party planner. Love, laughter, togetherness, warmth, kindness, joy, happiness, style, elegance, refinement, selflessness, giving are all words that describe Toni and being around her. Toni made her transition on Saturday, January 19th; she is preceded in death by her father, Earl Townsend.  She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory: Devoted husband, Derek; Daughter, Darian and son, Derek II; Mother, Betty Townsend; Sister, Renita Davis (Oscar) and twin brother, Kelvin Townsend; Aunt, Joyce Hadnot (Thomas); sister-in-laws, brother-in-law; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and numerous loving friends.