Sally Lee Townsend

1949 - 2022

Sally Lee Townsend, 73, of Fort Walton Beach, entered into her eternal rest on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. Sally was born on May 1, 1949, in Greenville, Alabama to Elmer and Vivian Adeline Sirmon Lee, She married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Forrest I. Townsend Jr., in Milton, Florida on June 23, 1973. She graduated from Troy State University with a Bachelor of Science in education. Sally worked as an educator, social worker managing foster care for the Florida Department of Children and Families, and veterinary clinic manager. As the youngest child in her family, Sally was cherished by her two older brothers. She inherited her mother's quick wit and her father's infectious smile. Sally's smile would light up a room and always made you feel loved. She was graceful, beautiful, intelligent, and patient - all the attributes one would want in a wife and mother. Family was most important to her and extended to her aunts, uncles, and cousins. She always made time with her family a priority.

Sally is survived by her husband of 49 years, Dr. Forrest I. Townsend Jr., of Fort Walton Beach, daughter Amanda Foster (Bill), daughter Melissa Townsend Harrelson, son Dr. Forrest I. Townsend III (Heather), and grandchildren Jared, Allison, and LeeAnn Foster, Lucas Harrelson, and Adeline, Amelia, Alice, Forrest, and Annie Townsend, brother Robert E. Lee (Marilyn), and her loving dogs Sophie, Belle, and Rosie. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Vivian Adeline Sirmon Lee, and brother Sirmon Lee (Tina).

Arrangements are provided by Emerald Coast Funeral Home on Racetrack Road. Memorial donations can be given to the Sally Lee Townsend Endowment Scholarship, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Donations can be sent via this website https://alumniq.auburn.edu/giving/to/sallytownsend or Fort Walton Beach Church of Christ donations can be sent to 232 Hollywood Blvd. SE Fort Walton Beach 32548.

Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online at emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com Sally Lee Townsend