Bettye Marinelli Townsend was born on April 29, 1923 and passed away peacefully July 8, 2018 at age 95. Born in Bauxite, Arkansas, she was raised in Friars Point, Mississippi with her three brothers and four sisters. Bettye was born of first generation Italian immigrants who had emigrated from Barria, Italy. She was a member of the "greatest generation" and worked at Firestone during WWII. There she met her loving husband, Jack, who served in Italy for 2 years. Returning from the war, they were married and raised 4 children. Later she worked at Goldsmith's department store and helped support her children through Catholic schools and higher education. She was known for her generosity and there was never a stranger at her table. All were welcomed. She was a parishioner of St. Louis Catholic Church for 47 years and a member of the St. Louis Altar Guild. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John C. Townsend, Sr. and her daughter Pamela Townsend. She is survived by her son, John C. Townsend, Jr., daughters Debra Auler and Rachel Lackey (Jerry) and grandchildren Chris Townsend, Wesley Lackey, Austin Auler, and her sister, Agusta Naomi Murrell. All memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer Association in memory of her late husband, John C. Townsend, Sr. (Jack). Rosary and visitation will be held at Family Funeral Care on Sunday, July 15th from 5 to 7 pm with funeral mass at St. Louis Catholic Church on Monday, July 16th at 10 a.m.
