Anita Saunders Townsend

Anita Saunders Townsend died on Saturday, April 6, 2013, at home, in Crawfordville, FL. She is predeceased by her husband: C.L. Townsend, Sr.; two infant sons; her parents: Bill and Mattie Sanders of Sopchoppy; and brothers: W.T. Sanders and J.D. Saunders. Anita was born on September 4, 1919 in Brunswick, GA. She graduated from Sopchoppy High School in 1937 and took her nursing training at Chattahoochee State Hospital, becoming an RN in 1941. She had a varied and successful nursing career. Her greatest accomplishment was being the Public Health Nurse for Wakulla County from 1951 until 1989. Under her guidance, many improvements and programs were implemented for the citizens of Wakulla County. Her leadership in professional, church and community activities was recognized and appreciated by many in Wakulla County and the surrounding area. She loved Wakulla County and it loved her. Anita is survived by her sister: Juanita S. Roddenberry of Sopchoppy, FL; sons: C.L. Townsend, Jr. of Plant City, FL and Jack Light Townsend, Sr. of Temple Terrace, FL, their wives: Ione and Helen; eight grandsons and four great-grandsons; and a multitude of nieces, nephews and “adopted daughters and sons”. Pallbearers for Anita are her grandsons: Jack Light Townsend, Jr.; James Austin “Jake” Townsend; Barrett McCoy “Bear” Townsend; Nathan Leroy Townsend; Aaron Leroy Townsend; David Leroy Townsend; Heath Harlan Campbell and Jarrod Allen Campbell. Honorary pallbearers are: Thurman Roddenberry; Billy Roddenberry; Lagran Saunders; Jack Henderson; Dennis Tucker; Johnny Daniels; Ken “Stoney” Burke; Don Davis; Jayson Kirk; John Townsend; Dale Townsend; Ralph Coleman; Doug Townsend and Lyn Townsend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either; The Anita Townsend Nursing Scholarship at Wakulla Academic Boosters, 3042 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327; Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308 or Benevolence Fund, First Baptist, 3086 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327 The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Crawfordville, FL. Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Crawfordville, FL. Graveside services will follow at West Sopchoppy Cemetery, Sopchoppy, FL. Bevis Funeral Home, Harvey-Young Chapel, Crawfordville, FL is assisting the family with arrangements. (850-926-3333 or www.bevisfh.com)

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Anita Saunders Townsend

September 4, 1919 - April 6, 2013