Townsend was born August 8, 1943 to Isaac Brown and Delores Thom. She departed this earth Dec 20, 2020.

Doris, as she was affectionately known, received her education in Greensboro, NC before moving to Baltimore, Maryland. In 1982 Doris became a foster parent for the Maryland Foster Care System. She would eventually become a foster mother for over 100 children form 1982 until 1992. She provided a loving and stable home for so many unwanted children in Baltimore. Doris was also loved by many of the children in the neighborhood and was lovingly known as Big D or Momma Tigger. Known for her impeccable cooking skills, everyone always looked forward to her amazing cooking; throwing down in the kitchen was her thing. Her world-famous macaroni and cheese, sweet potato pie and cheesecakes were always a hit.

Doris was a praying woman whose love for God was unwavering. On August 10, 2014, she became a member of Shepherd's Heart Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a tenured ministry leader of the food pantry and mentor to many members in the body of Christ. Sister Myrtle's insight and ongoing support and commitment to her church enhanced the work of the kingdom building.

Doris was proceeded in death by her parents and leaves cherish her memory four brothers Isaac Jr., Benjamin, Cornell and Lawrence. Seven children, Vaughn Phyall, Derek Phyall, Robbin Walker, Elwood (Steven) Townsend, Deshawn Brown, Brandon Brown and Teonna Brown; 21 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, her dear friend Ruby, who was always by her side and will miss her dearly, along with a host of other family and friends.