Pearl Townsend

Pearl Townsend, 84, a resident of Charleston, TN went to her Heavenly home on Tuesday evening, April 18, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in McMinn County on January 15, 1939 a daughter of the late Charles & Oneda Lingerfelt. Pearl was a faithful member of Council Baptist Church where she played the organ and piano for many years. She was retired from Hardwick Clothes and several local restaurants. Her family put it well – “Pearl never stayed at home!” – she was known and loved for visiting many many area venues where she played and sang either by herself or with her band “The Jammers”. Pearl’s singing of the gospel ministered to many people over the years, and people always looked forward to her next visit.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband Ray Townsend, and several siblings.

Pearl leaves behind to cherish her memory her three loving children Renea Arnett and husband Jack, Johnny Townsend and wife Cindy and Dewayne Townsend and wife Gina, one grandson James Townsend and his wife Suzanne, one brother Marvin “Dobbin” Lingerfelt, numerous other extended family members and a host of friends and fellow musicians.

The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, April 20, 2023 from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM in the Athens chapel of Companion Funeral Home located at 400 S White Street in Athens, TN. A service celebrating her life will conclude the visitation time at 7:00 PM on Thursday evening with the Reverend Keith Watson and the Reverend Jimmy Dunn officiating.

The interment and committal service will take place on Friday afternoon, April 21, 2023 at 4:00 PM in the Sunset Memorial Gardens with her family and friends serving as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Pearl and/or your personal condolences with her family by visiting her memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Athens and the Cody family are honored to assist her family with these arrangements.