Janet Leigh Townsend, cherished mother to four, 54, of Calera, Okla., died on July 4, 2024, surrounded by those she loved most in the world, in Plano, Texas.
Janet was born in Texarkana, Texas on August 13, 1969 to Harry Louis Church and Sandra Ruth Nichols. She was the baby of five children total and although small, always had a dynamite, “tiny but mighty” presence.
Janet was a devoted wife, mother, Nana, Aunt, and friend. Her children were the pride and joys of her life and her one wish in life was gifted from God when she became a mother. She took so much pride in being a mother and would brag about her children to any listening ear. “We are a shining examples of our Mommas finest work.” Janet married the love of her life, Gregg Townsend, on January 17, 2002.
Together, they have four children and 14 grandchildren. She was a member of Victory Life Church in Durant, Okla. Her joy was found in hosting friends and family for large cookouts and fish frys, camping, fishing with Gregg, being out on Lake Texoma, playing dominoes with friends, listening to her favorite music artists, being with her children and grandchildren, and gardening. Her green thumb was something many of her loved ones envied.
Janet had a huge heart for animals. Many, many times over the years, she’d rescue litters of orphaned kittens, puppies, or other injured animals. Her hearts love and desire to nurture wasn’t just for people, but animals too.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Jackie Church, and Sandra Townsend, as well as her brothers-in-law, David Waller and Bill Tinsley, and chosen brother Hal Page.
She is survived by her husband, Gregg of Calera; children: Haleigh Todd and husband, Jeremy of Durant, Dottie Landeros and wife, B of Durant, Randall Townsend of Calera, and Ashley Townsend of Calera. In addition, she leaves a legacy of 14 grandchildren behind: Alyssa Townsend, Kayleigh Todd, Kimber Todd, Caiden Todd, Ari Jones, Kynsleigh Todd, DJ Jones, Connor Todd, Cooper Myers, Kyrie Todd, Callen Todd, Claire Todd, Carsyn Todd, and Conleigh Todd. She also leaves behind four siblings, Michael Church and wife, Vikki of Rosebud, Ark., Dorothy Matthies and husband, Erik of Austin, Texas, Harry Church Jr. and partner, Becky of Texarkana, Texas, and Chris Lusk and partner, Leroy of Texarkana, Texas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and many others, who will greatly miss the love and care she brought to this earth.
A memorial visitation will take place on Friday, July 12, from 6-8 p.m. at Brown’s Funeral Home.
Services to celebrate Janet’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, at Brown’s Funeral Home chapel.