Bishop Jack Townsend Sr.

1949 - 2024

Bishop Jack Townsend Sr,
Glen Carbon - Bishop Dr. Jackie (Jack) H. Townsend, Sr. was born on January 6, 1949, in Edwardsville, IL: to the union of Rev. Henry B. and Inez Townsend. He was the youngest of four children. He was preceded in death by his parents; two siblings, Evangelist Bernice Smith and Joseph B. Townsend. On July 28, 1975, Bishop Jack married the love of his life, Joanne Lockett. Bishop Jack and Sis. Joanne have three children. He loved his family and extended family and did not fail to let them know they needed the Holy Ghost!!! Bishop Jack accepted Christ in his life at the age of 28 years old. He served as the Assistant Sunday School Superintendent at the local church in Edwardsville where he worked hand in hand with the late Pastor Larry Hogg who was the Sunday School Superintendent. He served as the Illinois State Sunday School Superintendent of The Church of God in Christ Congregational from 1985 until 2003. Bishop Townsend loved Sunday School because he said he could learn there and then he would be able to help someone else. "Bro Jack" as he was affectionately called by many, was widely known for his Christ-centered leadership and love for people. He served on the Madison County Ministry for Christ Team at Pere Marquette and at the Dwight Correctional Facility for Women for over 10 years and received several certificates for his excellent and faithful service. Bishop Jack "Loved the Lord" the Church, and God's people, the Saved and the Unsaved. He wanted to help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone he could. He would always say "If this gospel be hid, it is hid to those who are lost". Bishop Jack Loved to Have Church!!! He blessed the church with strong leadership, character, and integrity. He did as the bible said, visit the sick, the fatherless and the widows in their afflictions. He reached out to all nationalities. Bishop Jack continued to seek the will of the Lord for himself and the church. On October 26, 2014, Pastor Jack Townsend, Sr. was installed as "Bishop Jackie H. Townsend, Sr." He attended the Temple of Deliverance College of Theology receiving his Doctorate on June 4, 2016. Presiding Bishop Dr. Jack Townsend, Sr. leaves to cherish his memories: his Brown Sugar Evangelist Missionary Joanne Townsend of Glen Carbon, IL, children: Graylan "Monte" (Felecia) Alexander of Alton, IL, Emmabelle Marie Townsend of Alton, IL, Jackie H. Townsend, Jr. of Edwardsville, IL, and daughter in law: Rachel Townsend of Fresno, CA, one sister: Mrs. Inez Townsend Price of Grand Rapids, MI, Grandchildren: Leecananeshia, Montres, Jameera, Ja'Ryea, Makayla, Montiara, Ikiera, Reggie, Demilo, Ryan, Monty, Rashaud, Malik, Demarcus Alexander, Jawan, Jackie lll, Jade, and Jaylen Townsend, 16 Great-grands, Aunts: Ms. Polly Pea White of Mansfield LA., and Ms. Beatrice White of Houston, TX, 2 brothers in law: Donald I, Lockett, Sr. and Tommy M. Lockett of Houston, Texas, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and all those who loved him. Visitation Friday 8-23-24 from 4 until 7 p.m. and Service Saturday at noon at St. John's Methodist Church 7372 Marine Rd. Edwardsville. Burial Monday 8-26-2024. Cathy M. Williams & Sons.