FRUITLAND - Mary H. Townsend died Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017, in her home surrounded by her family. Born in Fruitland, she was a daughter of the late George W. and Mary E. Townsend.
Known as "Ms. Hester" or "Mom-Mom," she received her formal education in the Wicomico County school system and then went to work at Swift & Co. and Shoreland Freezer. She went on to open a day-care center, but then went back to work for Perdue Farms in 1979, retiring in 1993.
She is survived by seven children, James Allen of Fruitland, Brenda Jones of Philadelphia, George Allen of Salisbury, Rose Allen of Fruitland, Martha Allen of Fruitland, Sammy Allen of Fruitland and Vicky Liggett of Philadelphia; 16 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by all of her sisters and brothers, Viola T. Gordon, Beatrice Gilbert, Ruth Gilbert, Martha Townsend, Benjamin Townsend, Douglas Townsend and Linwood Townsend; grandson and a great-granddaughter.
A funeral service was held Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, at Cathedral of Love in Salisbury. Arrangements are in the care of Stewart Funeral Home by Holloway and Downey in Salisbury.