Franchester Townsend's Obituary
Franchester “Momzie” “Ms. T” Townsend, 73, of Chattanooga, passed away Wednesday, August 17, 2022, in a local hospital. She was born to her parents, Geraldine Hope and Charlie Townsend in Bessemer, AL in 1949. Franchester was a graduate of Far Rockaway Highschool, in Queens, NY, Class of 1967. Her passion for higher education led her to acquire a B.S. degree in Business Administration at Old Westbury State University, where she also became well versed in African-American Studies. Upon relocating to Chattanooga, she returned to school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse and State Licensed Appraiser in real estate. She retired from Orange Grove Center, a non-profit community, where she proudly worked closely with disabled children and adults and was highly adored by all of her patients. Franchester was a woman of many talents. She had a deep love for music and could dance from the moment she could stand on her two feet and was not shy to entertain a crowd. She was an artist, seamstress, and an amazing cook and baker. She was a fierce plant mom who didn't play about her garden, but most importantly, she was a teacher to all who would listen and a second mother and grandmother to those in need of love. Fran will be remembered for her dimples, so deep, you could drink from them, her vibrant personality and smile that could light up the biggest of rooms; her powerful voice that echoes through the souls of many and a beauty that was timeless, effortless. She was small but mighty and there will never be another Franchester “Momzie” Townsend. Franchester Townsend, cherished daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and fiance' ascended from her precious earthly life into an ancestor on August 17th, 2022. She was preceded in death by her father, Charlie Townsend; her "Daddy", Thomas Hope; her grandmother, Alberta Jones; her aunts, Louise Davis and Alberta Purdue; and nephew, Myca Townsend. Left to forever cherish Momzie's love are her adoring children, Sabretta Townsend and Curtis Townsend of Chattanooga; her loving mother, Geraldine J. Hope of Chattanooga; brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Geraldine Townsend of Lafayette, GA; sister, Synamon Townsend of Chattanooga; her beloved grandchildren, Sajhana Townsend, John Townsend, Khadesha Gordon, and Kendall Townsend, all of Chattanooga; her adored great-grandchildren, Harleim Townsend and Syx Frost; her loving fiance’, Joseph Allen; son-in-law, Supreme Reyes of Chattanooga; sister in life, Betty Suggs of Durham, NC; nieces and nephews, Jamaal, Akim, Shaunte' Townsend, and Khivionna Owens of Chattanooga; and a host of other close family and friends. Pastor Nate Townsend will serve as the eulogist.
What’s your fondest memory of Franchester?
What’s a lesson you learned from Franchester?
Share a story where Franchester's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Franchester you’ll never forget.
How did Franchester make you smile?

