Willie Mae DeLaine Townsend

The Obituary “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” “For I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills whence cometh my help, my help cometh from the Lord”. One of God’s special children answered the Master’s call on Saturday, July 4, 2020 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Hamilton, NJ. Mrs. Willie “Billie” DeLaine Townsend, loving daughter of the late Reverend and Mrs. N.S. DeLaine of Dillion, South Carolina, and the late Mrs. Lucretia Wilson, of Marion, South Carolina. Reverend and Mrs. N. S. DeLaine’s strong beliefs in education encouraged their children to strive for excellence in education. “Billie” known affectionately by family and friends received her first and secondary education in the Dillon County School System. She proceeded to Sumter, South Carolina and graduated from Morris College. She continued her educational quest and began graduate school in Montclair State University, in New Jersey. “Billie” earned a Master Degree of Education and a certificate in Special Education from Trenton State College (presently known as The College of New Jersey). Mrs. Townsend’s teaching career began in the Public-School System of Marion, South Carolina. Upon relocating to New Jersey, she taught at the New Jersey State Home for Boys, in Jamesburg, New Jersey. Having the need to be closer to home and family she accepted a position with the Trenton Board of Education. She was offered a teaching position at Junior Number One, now known as, Martin Luther King Middle School. She also served as a former Adult Education teacher at Trenton Central High School. After many long and dedicated years of service to education she retired in 1992. Although no longer in the classroom, she was still educating youth and had a strong commitment to serve her community and address political issues of the day. Being raised in the traditions of the African Methodist Episcopal Church gave her a strong sense of empowerment to know where her blessings came from and to exhibit her religious beliefs and convictions. Her early Christian foundation entrenched within her made it her life’s work to be of service to others. Be it concerns of the community, religion, or with education “Billie” would find the time to immerse herself in these activities. She was a faithful servant at Greater Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church. She served as a Steward, the Combined Choir, Lay Organization, Finance Committee, Stewardess Board E, Senior Usher Board, and the Missionary Society. She served as Women’s Day Chairperson and a delegate to the New Jersey Annual Conference of the First Episcopal District. She always found time to involve herself with the Young People’s Department and the Christian Education Board educating church youth on African Methodism. She was presented the Walking in the Footsteps of Legend Award from White Rock Baptist Church. She worked with young mothers in the Trenton Black Infant Better Survival Partnership Program. She also was a member of Eccelsia and Church Women United. Mrs. Townsend’s community and educational involvements were numerous; she served as Department Chairperson of Special Education, chief delegate for the Trenton Education Association and a member of the Retired New Jersey Educators. Her excellent financial skills helped her serve as treasurer of many organizations to include the New Jersey Support Committee for Martin L. King for Non-Violence for Social Change and New Jersey Coretta Scott King Humanitarian Group. She is a member of the Women of Achievers, Urban League Guild of Metropolitan Trenton, Urban League, Inc., NAACP, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Community Culture Club, Morris College Alumni Organization, One Hundred Women of Color, Top Ladies of Distinctions Inc., and New Jersey State Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs Inc. She has served as the president of West Central District No. One. She has received awards from organizations that include the Bronzettes Inc., “Outstanding Mother of the Year”, Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc, Outstanding Leadership Award, recipient of the “Omega Crystal Award, and the Women of Achievement Inc, Award of Excellence and Prominence. She served on the Mercer County Nutrition Project for the Elderly Advisory Council and the Kingsbury Corporation Board of Directors. Her political service included committeeperson for Ewing District 25. Mrs. Townsend’s teaching and community involvement never interfered with her responsibilities for being a loving and affectionate wife to her late husband, George Townsend. Her nurturing abilities were lavishly poured on her two daughters, Yvette Vant, Irmo, SC, and Eunice “Neicee” Clark of Trenton. A mother’s love that surpassed all conditions trickling down to her three grandsons; Vatronce Johnson and Arsenio Belton, Columbia, SC, James (Ravonne)Vant, West Columbia, SC. This unconditional love is also shared with her great grandchildren; Simone Johnson, Dillon Belton, and Reese Vant. One brother-in-law, Robert Townsend, Greensboro, NC, two sisters-in-law, Amelia Townsend, Florence, SC and Blanche DeLaine, Alexandria, VA. A special cousin that shared a sisterly bond, Helen (Robert) Williams. Special friends, Jacquelyn Geary and Izetta Kimbrough. She also shared her love with a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Reverend and Mrs. N.S. DeLaine and Mrs. Lucretia Wilson. Her strong love for her siblings was evident by their closeness whom preceded her in death, Levi DeLaine and Johnnie DeLaine. Her life motto was “If you can’t do great things…do small things in a great way.” “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing!” II Timothy 4:7-8 Special Note The family of Mrs. Townsend in consideration of the current health crisis facing our world, nation, state and local community, has decided to hold a private 25 people or less, family only, funeral service for their loved one with private interment immediately following. While the Townsend family would love to be surrounded by your presence, they acknowledge the health risks to family, church members, friends, and particularly to those who are most vulnerable to this disease, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. What the family needs most at this time are your prayers and understanding. Thank you for your concern and cooperation. I don’t know where to add: In lieu of flowers please send donations in memory of Willie “Billie” Townsend to Greater Mt. Zion AME Church, 42 Pennington Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618