Margaret J. Townsend, age 83, of Live Oak Florida passed away on June 14, 2026 following a brief illness.

She was born on June 23,1942, in Madison, Florida to Kate and John Wesley (Chud) Kelley.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Phil Townsend, Jr; daughter LaDonna Jean Warren Townsend and step-son George Townsend. She was also pre-deceded in death by her siblings John Wesley Kelley Jr, Lora Mae Townsend, Jeanette Kelley, Reverend Austin Kelley, Albert Kelley, William Kelley, Donald Kelley, and Charles Kelley.

She is survived by daughters, Lesley Fry (Chris) of Live Oak; Jan Smith (Robert) of Welborn; and Carol King of Atlanta. She was the proud grandmother of 7 grandchildren: Phillip, Jason and Darrin Townsend; Kelli Wright and Kody Smith; and John and Jack Fry, as well as 6 great-grandchildren.

She loved her family, flowers, butterflies and the culinary arts. She touched many lives through her kindness, generosity, and love and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Margaret was a long standing member of Antioch Baptist Church in Live Oak,  Florida (203 County Road 795)and a Celebration of Life Service will hosted there on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Haven Hospice at 6037 US Hwy 90 W, Lake City, Florida 32025 or to the Go Fund Me scholarship in honor of Margaret's love for the culinary arts, https://www.gofundme.com/manage/margaret-naomi-culinary-scholarship

Please sign the online guestbook and keep her family in your prayers.