Mary Lou Townsend Gieske, age 83, of Lawrenceburg, TN passed away Monday, March 24, 2025, at Southern TN Regional Health System in Lawrenceburg, TN. She was a native of Lawrence County, TN, and a 1960 graduate of Loretto High School. Mrs. Gieske was a retired case worker from the Tennessee Department of Employment Security, a member of The Welcome Wagon, Home Demonstration Club, and Immanuel Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William Gilmer and Sarah Lucille Thigpen Townsend; and one brother, Benjamin David Townsend.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jakie Gieske of Lawrenceburg, TN; two sons, Jay Gieske (Felicia) of Murfreesboro, TN, and Jo Jo Gieske (Vangie) of Lawrenceburg, TN; one brother, J. W. “Joe” Townsend of Murfreesboro, TN; one sister, Eula Mae Townsend Graham of Spring Hill, TN; four grandchildren, Jake D. Gieske (Becca) of Lakeland, TN, Lauran S. Gieske of Knoxville, TN, Jerren Gieske of Lawrenceburg, TN, and Addisten Gieske of Lawrenceburg, TN. Those serving as pallbearers are Will Graham, Ben Trussell, Rick Graham, Jake Gieske, Jerren Gieske, and Mike Blasingim.
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM Friday, March 28, 2025, at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 2:00 PM Friday, March 28, 2025, with Reggie Coleman and Rick Graham officiating. Interment will follow at Lawrence County Memorial Gardens in Lawrenceburg, TN. The family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
