Edith Townsend Gardner, 86

January 25, 1940  –  July 20, 2026

Edith Townsend-Gardner was born January 25, 1940, to Fred and Emma Dee Woods-Townsend. She departed life on Monday, July 20, 2026, in Chickasaw County at home surrounded by family. She was a faithful member of Thompson Chapel CME church until her health started to fail.

Edith attended school at Houlka Elementary School and later Houston High School. She enjoyed cooking for her family and grandchildren, sewing, making quilts, and gardening.

Edith is survived by her four sons, Anthony, Terry (Pam), and Aundrea (Nancy), all of Houlka, and James (Darla) of Pontotoc; four sisters, Maxine, Erie, and Lady D. of Racine, WI and Juniata (Thomas) of Huntsville, AL; A host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, many nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one son, Kevin Reed; two brothers, Leland and Slick; her mother, Emma Dee; and father, Fred Townsend.

Edith was greatly loved and will be greatly missed by the many whom she raised and some who would just stop by to eat or just need somewhere to stay. She always had an open house and a hot meal for anyone who was in need.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Payton Mortuary. Funeral service will be Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Thompson Chapel CME Church, 937 County Road 308, Houlka, MS.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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