Memorial services for Mary R. Townsend were held November 1, 2013 at 11:00 at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham Alabama. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Rouveyrol from the Ardaché Department of the south of France. Marie Louise (Mary) was born August 15th, 1917. She was 96 years old when she passed away on October 30, 2013. She was the last of 6 siblings to pass away, who were all first generation Americans. In 1937, she married Dr. Armon Townsend who died on February 16, 1991. Mary always said, “I married the love of my life.” She was a member of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, Vestavia Garden Club, The Antiquarium Society, The Sewing Club, and The Club.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Tonia Marie Townsend and son, Lanier Townsend (Kay). Surviving grandchildren are Scott Buttram (Lori), Todd Palmer (Shannon), Keith Palmer (Kim), Julie Palmer, Susie Palmer, Shane Townsend (Maryanne), and Tammy St. John (Perry), great grandchildren Jase and Sara Marie Buttram, Carson, Mason, and Harrison Palmer, Tyler and Alyssa Palmer, Willa Sears, and Kaleb Bates, sisters in law Joyce Rouveyrol and Geraldine Rouveyrol, many nieces and nephews including Kerin Guidry, very special extended family James and Marilyn Buttram, Margaux Buttram Shelton and many other relatives still residing in France.
One of the highlights of her life was when her grandson, Todd, took her on a trip to France to visit where her ancestry began. There she was able to meet several relatives (about 30) including Henrietta Rouveyrol Chataing, a first cousin, just 3 years older. She was even able to stand in front of the Village Bakery, seeing where her own mother had been born upstairs.
Of the many times she answered to her name, the most common name she answered to was “Mimi” given to her by her grandchildren. But of all who called her, the greatest call to which she responded was that of The Lord Jesus Christ. As it is stated in God’s Word, one must be born again by the Spirit (John 3:3-7) by believing that God sent His only beloved Son, Jesus into the world for the forgiveness of the sins. As it is written, Jesus Himself said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the father except by Me”. (John. 14:6) Because He lives… we can live also.
(Romans 3:3, 5, 10, 23, 6:23, 5:8, John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10, 13)
