Obituary of Barbara E Townes

On Thursday, December 20, 2018, five days after celebrating her birthday (December 15th), God’s angels came and escorted Barbara Elaine Townes home.  Barbara the second child of the late Thomas M. and Carrie J. Townes was born in Mount Holly,     New Jersey.

Barbara was educated in the public schools of Cinnaminson and Palmyra High School.  Upon graduation from Palmyra High School, she attended Cheyney State College (now Cheyney University) where she received a bachelor’s degree in education.  She continued her studies at Temple University and Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) earning her master’s degree in reading and supervision.

Barbara began her teaching career in the Camden School District where she remained until her retirement, beginning as a classroom teacher and retiring as a vice principal.  She was an outstanding teacher who loved her students; this was displayed by her acts of kindness to the students.  In the winter she would buy coats and hats for the students who did not have warm coats or hats.

After retiring, Barbara volunteered with the Literacy of America, teaching clients English and reading, she also tutored students in mathematics and reading.  Barbara believed in helping others, she would give high school graduates attending college money for tuition and books.  Barbara also found time to be a caregiver to family and friends.

Barbara was a lifelong member of Trinity A.M.E. Church, starting as a child in Sunday school.  She was an active member of the church, serving on a number of committees including education/scholarship, black history, and the missionary society; she also was a Sunday school teacher.

Barbara was the secretary and historian of the Jones Family Reunion.  She was a member of the Cheyney Alumni Association.  Barbara was a founder and charter member of the Club Ebonettes, founded on May 22, 1969, a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs, Inc.  Her hobbies included knitting, needle point and reading, as a child you would always find her reading a book.

Barbara leaves to cherish her memories two sisters; Kathryn Townes of Cinnaminson, NJ, Elizabeth Collins of Hainesport, NJ, brother and sister-in-law; William and Marilyn Townes of Cinnaminson, NJ, nephews and nieces; Clifford Collins (god son), Michele and Andrew Lofton, Natalie and Kevin Tucker, great nephews and nieces; Joshua Collins, Andrew Lofton, Jr., Lauren Lofton, Andre Tucker, Thomas Lofton, and Jamie Tucker, a god daughter Michele Thompkins, a special sister Blanche Hunter of Moorestown, NJ and a host of family and friends.

She was predeceased by her oldest brother, Thomas, her sister Janet and god daughter Darlene Streater.

                                                            Lovingly Submitted,

                                                                 By The Family