Bonnie Townsend

Bonnie Pauline Lambert Townsend, 65, a resident of Cleveland, passed away Wednesday, September 5, 2007, in a local hospital. She was an active member of the South Cleveland Church of God and also enjoyed attending the Bethavara Hebraic Assembly. Bonnie was the daughter of William Roy Lambert and Pauline Sample Lambert who preceded her in death. Survivors include her husband, Grady Townsend of Cleveland; daughter, Michelle Thompson and husband, Paul Thompson of Spring, TX; grandchildren, Jonathan Ray, Justin Ray, Jacob Ray, Jeremy Ray, Colton Thompson, Brooklyn Thompson, Weston Thompson and Delaney Thompson; son, Mark Townsend, and wife Michelle, granddaughter Maren Chapel Townsend and a grandson expected within two weeks, of Houston, TX; two brothers, Jerry Lambert and wife Renée of Clemson, SC and Duane Lambert and wife Sharon, of Cleveland, TN; a brother-in-law Ronald Townsend and several nieces and nephews. Bonnie was a graduate of Lee College and developed a heart for ministering to others early in life. She was active in Pioneers for Christ, a member of the Lee College Touring Choir and other student ministries. As a practical follower of the Word of God, her heart and hands continually reached out to others in need. Scores of young believers, single mothers, and other needy people were lifted by her encouragement, counsel, prayer and physical assistance. From soup kitchens to Valentine teas for widows and single mothers to opening her home to single mothers and others needing a helping hand, Bonnie was always demonstrating, in a practical way, God?s love for all mankind. Throughout her life she ministered as a pianist at numerous churches, prayer intercessor, teacher of piano and nutrition, and a minister to others in music and song. In recent years she was an active volunteer at New Hope Pregnancy Care Center and a member and leader of the South Cleveland Prime Timers. Following a recent exploration of Israel, she became hungry for the Hebraic roots of her Christian faith. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:30 PM Sunday, September 9, 2007 at Westmore Church of God. Officiating ministers will include Rev. Chris Moody, Rev. Douglas LeRoy, Dr. Horace Ward, Rev. Robert McCready and Rev. Al Jarman. Pallbearers will be Jerry Arp, Larry Hall, Jackie Buckner, Jack Holloway, Timothy Falade, Daniel Vassel and alternate Matt Howell. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Saturday at the Ralph Buckner Funeral Home. There will be additional time for viewing between 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM at the Westmore Church of God sanctuary just before the funeral services. Those wishing to make contributions in honor of Bonnie in lieu of flowers can make contributions to either: Peniel Drug Alcohol Rehabilitation Center, P.O. Box 250, Johnstown, PA 15907, or New Hope Pregnancy Care Center, P. O. Box 5183, Cleveland, TN 37320-5183. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Townsend family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.