Martha Marie Bassham Townsend was born in Lawrence County, Tennessee on June 26, 1936. She died on June 30, 2026. She was married to Robert Lloyd Townsend for 58 years and had lived in Florence most of her life. Visitation will be on July 5, 2026, at 1 p.m. with the service following at 2 p.m. at Greenview Memorial Chapel with Rev. Dedra Campbell, pastor of North Wood United Methodist Church and Dr. Milton Sewell officiating. Burial will be in Greenview Memorial Park, Greenview Funeral Home directing.
Marie attended Loretto Elementary and High School. She graduated from Florence State College, now UNA. She enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom while her daughters were young and volunteered at the various schools attended by her children.
She was a member of North Wood United Methodist Church since her marriage, where she worked as the Financial Secretary for eighteen years and later chaired the Finance Committee for a number of years. She was a member of the Fidelis class which became the New Covenant Class and finally the Homebuilders Class serving as one of its several teachers. Marie was active in the United Methodist Women, later called United Women in Faith, serving as president of her local unit several times and in various offices of the local unit and the Florence and Northwest Districts.
In retirement she liked to play golf, read and volunteer in the Friends of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library Bookstore.
She was predeceased in death by her husband, Robert Lloyd Townsend; her parents, Grady L. and Matilda Ann (Annie) Newton Bassham; step-mother, Pearl Williams Bassham; sisters, Devona Dalphine Bassham Shannon (Paul), Jo Ann Bassham Bosheers (Franklin Dee), Margaret Christine Bassham King (Johnny C.); brother, Lilburn Franklin Bassham (Venora).
Survivors include daughters, Anna Townsend Cabaniss (Howard) and Claire Townsend Vest (David). Grandchildren are Chad Cabaniss (Khristina), Amanda Cabaniss Isbell (Clint), Rachael Gadd, Caitlin Vest Compton (Broc), and Morgan Vest Gotwald (Adam). Great-grandchildren are Cole Austin Cabaniss, Kase Andrew Cabaniss, Andi Kate Isbell, Livie June Isbell, Charlie Jean Compton, Jacob Allan Compton, Levi Allan Compton and Brady Gray Gotwald. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to friends of Florence-Lauderdale Public Library or to Meals on Wheels through Community Action of Northwest Alabama.
A special thanks to her many caregivers, Elder Care Services, and to Gentiva Hospice for their loving and compassionate care during her illness.
