Marion Winifred "Winnie" Townsend

Marion Winifred Townsend, lovingly known as “Winnie” entered into eternal rest on November 8, 2026 at the age of 90.

Born June 10, 1936 in Sandersville, Georgia, Winnie grew up surrounded by familiar people and places that shaped her early years. Her roots in Washington County would always be a special part of her story. It was at the Kaolin Festival where she met Mershon Townsend, beginning a love story that would lead to marriage and a lifetime together. The two made Kite, Georgia their home where they built a life and raised their family.

Winnie attended Kite First Baptist Church faithfully until the beginning of her sickness. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she felt comfort reading her Bible daily. She retired from Johnson County School System where she worked in the school cafeteria and also helped with the family business when they owned and operated Gilleys in Wrightsville. Winnie was said to be the secret behind the famous Gilley’s hamburger, a favorite that so many came to enjoy.

Winnie will also be remembered for being a wonderful cook. Her Brunswick stew, cornbread dressing, fried chicken, and warm banana pudding were among family favorites. Her kitchen was a place where good food and treasured memories came together, and those who gathered around her table will forever remember the love she put into every meal.

In her quieter moments, Winnie enjoyed embroidery, crossword puzzles, and putting together jigsaw puzzles. There was rarely a puzzle she couldn’t solve. She was a true Bulldog fan and loved cheering them on. Her family will fondly remember these simple joys and most importantly the life she shared with those around her.

Above all, Winnie was a loving mother and a devoted Nanny. Her grandchildren were among her greatest joys, and she was their biggest supporter. She loved hearing about their many accomplishments, adventures, and special moments that filled their lives. She took great pride in each of them and treasured every opportunity to share in their happiness. Her great-grandchildren also brought her tremendous joy, and the memories made with their Nanny will be treasured always.

Winnie was preceded in death by her husband, Mershon Townsend; her parents, Marion Thomas and Louise Cox; and her two brothers, Claude and Cecil Cox.

She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her children, Cindy (Steve) Jarrard of Kite, Marcia (Andy) Robinson of Wrightsville, and Charles (Nina) Townsend of Statesboro; her grandchildren, Charlsie (Ben) Butler of Watkinsville, Anna Kate Robinson of Athens, and Charlie and Emma-Charles Townsend of Statesboro; her great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Isabel, and Hubbell Butler; and her sisters-in-law, Jackie Cox of Ocilla, Florida, and Doris Townsend Batts of Macon, Georgia.

Winnie leaves behind a legacy of family, love, and cherished memories. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Lighthouse, formerly Kite First United Methodist Church where Winnie attended with her young children.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 11, 2026 in the Minton Chapel Cemetery in Kite, Georgia. Mr. John Wilder Page will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, at the cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Charles Townsend, Charlie Townsend, Andy Robinson, Steve Jarrard, Ben Butler, and Todd Hutchinson.

Stanley Funeral Homes and Crematory/Wrightsville Chapel has charge of the funeral arrangements.