Pt : lYlLIS AVIS TOWNSEND, beloved mother, sister, aunt,
and friend was called home on November 15, 2018
to be with the Lord after a short illness. Phyllis,
who was affectionately called "Mama Phyllis" was born
in Baltimore, MD on August 29, 1954 to the late
Reverend Aaron P. Townsend, Sr. and Minnie L.
(Goolsby) Townsend. She was preceded in death by
her brother Aaron P. Townsend, Jr.

Phyllis was raised in Baltimore as a preacher's kid at the
Calvary Baptist Church, pastored by her father. She graduated from
Frederick Douglass ' High School, and also attended Anne Arundel
Community College (AACC) and CCBC
(Community College of Baltimore County). She was also a graduate
of the Temple Business School in Baltimore, where she earned a
Business Degree. A gentle, humble spirit, Phyllis touched many lives.
Employed as a Nurse since 1974, she was working at Baltimore
Medical System, Inc. (BMS), until the time of her death. Prior to her
employment with BMS, she worked for South Baltimore General
Hospital; St. Agnes Hospital; Keswick Nursing Home and Crown
Central Petroleum Corporation (payroll clerk).

Phyllis loved the Lord and His Word. Her favorite scripture was
Psalm 118: 24 and she loved the Serenity Prayer. She was a
member of Grace Baptist Church and was actively involved in
several ministries. She used her beautiful voice to sing to the Glory
of God and her giving spirit to help others. A dependable, dedicated,
and passionate soul, Phyllis served on the Music Ministry. This
included the Adult Choir, Grace Duet, Zenith Singers, Gospel Choir,
Music Ministty Counsel, Praise and Worship Team, and Mass Choir.
She also was a church soloist and directed several choirs, including
the youth Choir. She was a past president of the Pastor's Aide Ministry
and also served as a Sunday School teacher. She worked in
God's Kingdom in multiple capacities, which included the Adult Usher
Board and Trustee Board. Always giving of her time, Phyllis co-chaired
the Pastoral Anniversary Committee, and was a member of the
Communications Ministry. Phyllis had high standards and brought
her level of zeal and perfection to each commitment she undertook.
Seeking to further her knowledge of The Bible,
Phyllis enrolled in MasterLife Discipleship Class. She completed and
graduated from MasterLife in July 2018.

Prior to joining Grace Baptist Church, Phyllis attended Calvary Baptist
Church and City Temple Church of Baltimore, where she was a member
of the Ensemble. She was also a past winner of the "All-City Gospel
Soloist Contest for Baltimore City" and a member of The Gideon Singers.

A longtime member of Unified Voices (UV) of Johns Hopkins, Phyllis
performed throughout the city, state and beyond. UV afforded Phyllis
the opportunity to share her acting talent with the world. She got bit
by the thespian bug when she performed in Smokey Joe's Cafe and then
cast as the lovable, habit-wearing, scripture quoting character
"Sister Wilhelmina", in the UV presentations of DisChord in the Choir,
and Serenity House. Phillis found her "inner ham" and forevermore,
a STAR was born!!!! Phyllis also enjoyed reading, shopping and gardening.

Now singing with the heavenly choir, Phyllis will be dearly missed. She
leaves to cherish her memory: one devoted daughter:
Juliette T. Braman [Dr. James Braman]; one sister: Mary A.
Forman; one nephew: Alexander Forman; one niece: Crystal
Forman [David Hiebel]; Michael Williams, Jr. and MaKayla Williams,
whom she viewed as her own grandchildren; one godchild:

Ryan Campbell; best friend: Charles McGee and a host of other
family, friends and relatives.

Viewing Joseph H. Brown Jr. Funeral Home Friday, November 23, 2018 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM Email Details 2140 N. Fulton Ave
Baltimore, Maryland 21217 Directions Funeral Service Grace Baptist Church Saturday, November 24, 2018 12:00 PM Email Details 3201 The Alameda
Baltimore, MD 21218 Funeral Service will begin @ 12:30M Directions