Mary Jane Townsend

Mary Jane Stanley Townsend, 83, of Ellijay, passed away Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at her residence.

She was born Aug. 28, 1942, in Ellijay, to the late Herbert Stanley and Margaret Dempsey Stanley. She loved the Lord with all her heart and was a member of the Crossroads Baptist Church of Ellijay. She worked at the Chatsworth Nursing Home as a certified nursing assistant. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by brothers, Jerry Stanley, Emory Stanley and Clifford "Jabo" Stanley and sister, Maggie Clayton.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, William Townsend, of Ellijay; son, Chad Townsend, of Ellijay; brother and sister-in-law, Bo (Charlene) Stanley, of Ellijay; sister, Shirley Southern and several nieces and nephew.

Funeral services to honor the life of Townsend was held Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with the Rev. Eddie Kerr and the Rev. Junior Maney officiating. Vocals was provided by Mrs. Vicki Kerr and family. Graveside interment followed in the Crossroads Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Charles Wright officiating. The following gentlemen served as pallbearers: Mark Southern, Brandon Mulkey, Bryson Mulkey, Mark Martin, the Rev. Jamie Kerr, Brandon Kerr and Drew Parks.

The family would like to thank Willowbrook Hospice for their exceptional care.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay was entrusted with these arrangements.