John Wesley "Bishop" Townsend

Talladega Springs, Alabama - John Wesley Townsend, 87, of Talladega Springs Sylacauga AL, passed away on October 15, 2025, at Coosa Valley Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 6, 1938 in Talladega County AL, to the beloved parents John and Tavia Townsend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Townsend Sr and Tavia Townsend; two sons, Calvin “Ben” Townsend and William “Tony” Townsend; two brothers, Charles Townsend and Clarence Townsend, one sister, Annie Mae Coleman.

Mr. Townsend was a devoted husband to Lola Mae Townsend and a loving father to John Townsend and Victoria Townsend Cook.

He was a hard-worker and a dedicated man. He spent many years working at Avondale Mills, where he was known for his dedicated work ethic. Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family and his passions.

Though Mr. Townsend may not have liked being the center of attention, he deserves to have his long years of fatherly love honored. He was a man of kindness, compassionate, trustworthiness, reliable and generosity, and he left a lasting impact on his family and friends.

His hobbies are planting his field with different types of vegetables, keeping his yard up with beautiful flowers and getting into whatever he could. He enjoyed being outdoors and often spent his time doing something around the house. His love for his family was his greatest strength.

He leaves behind his loving, caring and supportive wife, Lola Townsend; four children, John (Brenda) Townsend, Victoria (Alfred) Cook, Hope Johnson and Lisa Wilson; six grandchildren, Jalane Cook, Dartia Cook, Alfred Cook Jr, Johntavis Townsend, Cameron (Shernelia) Townsend and Alexandria Cook; eight great grandchildren, two sisters, Hattie Townsend and Katie Taylor, a special son, Daniel Crowe, best friends, Billy Wilson, Mr. L. Blair and Willie Frank Wilson as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

We find comfort in knowing that John’s legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.

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