Evelyn Williams Townsend, 85

CAMBRIDGE - Evelyn Williams Townsend, a resident of Cambridge since 1955, passed away Friday, Feb. 15, 2008 at Dorchester General Hospital.

She was born Dec. 27, 1922 in Bennettsville, S.C., daughter of Alexander Williams and Anna Bell Grace-Williams.

Evelyn attended the public schools of Winston-Salem, N.C., and after high school graduation, pursued higher education, receiving a bachelor of science degree from Winston-Salem Teachers College (now known as Winston-Salem University), and a master's degree from New York University.

Her major areas of concentration were Early Childhood Development and Elementary School Administration. Being a true educator, she continued her education at Morgan State University, Columbia University and the University of Maryland at College Park.

Evelyn was a long time member of Waugh Chapel United Methodist Church, devoting her time and resources to serving in such capacities as Sunday School teacher, director of Summer School programs, member of the Angelic Choir and Combined Choir, Bible Study class participant, and past Superintendent of Waugh Church School. She supported the many programs and activities of the church.

Mrs. Townsend was employed in the public school system for 38 years, serving as administrator and teacher. Her years as an educator included: Vice Principal and reading teacher in Talbot County; CETA program supervisor at Vienna Elementary; Principal of Peachblossom Elementary and Glasgow School. Other schools included, St. Clair Elementary School, Warwick Elementary School, Mace's Lane Middle, Cambridge Middle School, as well as Dorchester County Project Head Start director and Policy Council.

Mrs. Townsend was devoted to public service and with her spirit of helping all people, in order to work in harmony to improve the community she was affiliated with many organizations, such as: past president and vice president of the NAACP: past president and currently vice president of the Harriet Tubman Organization; past board member of the Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce; member of the executive board of the Chesapeake Bay Girl Scout Council and a Girl Scout troop leader; member of the Dorchester Tourism Committee and currently serving on the Heart of Chesapeake Heritage Area Committee; twice the recipient of Dorchester County's "Most Beautiful Person Award"; adivsor to the Speer Trust Foundation (poverty initiative); organizer and director of the Summer youth programs. She was recognized in "Who's Who in Executives and Professionals" 2004-2005 and 2006-2007 editions.

Mrs. Townsend was a former DCDC Head Start director; an original board member and past president of Sailwinds Park, Inc.; a committee participant of the Seafood Feast-I-Val annual committee; and founder of the Eastern Shore "A More Perfect Union" (to improve understanding of different backgrounds). She was a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Business and Professional Women's Club; MSTA (Maryland State Teachers Association); DREA (Dorchester Retired Educators Association); and the MRSPA (Maryland Retired School Personnel Association).

Mrs. Townsend's survivors include two daughters, Lynda T. Brown and Vicki T. Lee; four granddaughters, Victoria, Krista, Jasmine and Briana; three great-grandchildren, Jaiden, Aylise and Kaiere; three brothers, David Williams and his wife, Vivian of Winston-Salem, N.C., James P. Williams and his wife, Georgia and Quentin J. Williams and his wife, Wanza, all of Jacksonville, N.C. She is also survived by five godchildren, Arkelga Braxton, Mynichia Braxton, Bianca B. Smith, Darnell Jackson, Pamela Jackson; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; a devoted friend and neighbor, Ruth Braxton; a classmate and long time friend, Cleester Hickerson of Winston-Salem,N.C., and a close friend, Vivian Fassett.

In addition to her parent, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Julia James and Edith Woody and a brother, Harry Williams.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Bethel AME Church, Pine Street. Burial will follow at the Maryland Veterans' Cemetery at Beulah.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at Waugh Chapel UM Church on High Street and one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Arrangements are being handled by the Henry Funeral Home, PA in Cambridge.

Letters of condolence may be sent to: www.henryfuneralhomepa.com