Clarissa Louise "Lu" Townsend

Clarissa Louise “Lu” Townsend’s love of life did not come to an end with her earthly departure. Her influence continues in the memories of family and friends. Lu transitioned to her Heavenly Home on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland after a courageous battle with multiple medical complications.

Born on January 22, 1955, to the late Mnason W. Townsend, Sr. and Dorothy Foster Townsend of Preston, Maryland, Lu was the seventh of nine children. She received her formal education in the Caroline County Public School System, attending Jonestown Elementary School and graduating from Colonel Richardson High School in the Class of 1973. She attended and completed her program of study in cosmetology at the Delmarva Beauty Academy (Salisbury, Maryland). Lu started her full-time employment career with the Memorial Hospital at Easton, Maryland where she worked in the Dietary Department and took great pleasure in preparing and serving patient trays and trying to bring joy to all hospital patients. Recognizing her expertise in the culinary field, Lu later served in cooking and catering positions. She also pursued a second career option as she exercised her flair and creativity for cosmetology and hair design when she obtained her cosmetology license and rented a chair at a local hair salon, Shear Elegance. Her industrious nature and a love for driving also served her well in her employment with a courier firm and with one of a very limited number of local shuttle/taxi services. In later years, she worked more closely with the sick and shut in and provided home care for numerous patients and families. Finding great joy and personal satisfaction in helping others, Lu’s final position of employment, prior to her recent illness, was working with the Caroline County Senior Center helping families to locate and connect with needed resources.

Raised in a Christian home, Lu joined Mt. Calvary Methodist Church, Preston, Maryland, at a young age and was active in Sunday School, the Methodist Youth Fellowship and the Youth Choir. Later making Asbury United Methodist her church home, over time, she held membership in the church choirs and served on various hospitality ministries. She had a beautiful alto voice and was frequently invited to sing for concerts, special days, funerals and weddings. Before and after choir concerts and other events, she could be found in the church kitchen either cooking or serving dinners and desserts.

Lu was wed to Norman “Chucky” Jenkins, her high school sweetheart, on July 5, 1980. This union was blessed with three children - one son, Norman, and two daughters, Kirsten and Denise. Lu’s love for family and making others comfortable continued throughout her adult life.  Lu was a dedicated member of Samuel T. Hemsley Elks Lodge #974 and for many years served as the treasurer for the Ladies’ Auxiliary of Blake-Blackston American Legion Post #77.  Upon request, she frequently served as the "Comfort Lady" at funerals. Everyone who met Lu was familiar with her heartwarming hospitality and her prize-winning gingerbread recipe, a family and friends’ favorite. Lu was an excellent wife, mother, chef and baker.

Lu loved the Lord, family, life, laughter, and helping people. She was not easily discouraged. Her life after prolonged battles with COVID, pneumonia, and leukemia became her testimony.  Based on her health challenges and experiences, she could be heard saying, “If you want to see a miracle, just look at me. I’ve been blessed, wondrously blessed.” Lu will be greatly missed. Her gift of joy to all whom she encountered was indeed a treasure. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.

Lu was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and two sisters, Elaine Townsend and Frances Townsend Coleman. She leaves to mourn her passing one son, Norman Townsend (Shawan); two daughters, Kirsten Jenkins, and Denise Osciak (Paul); bonus daughter Dynesha Thompson (Diquon); ten grandchildren – Dennis Johnson (Brittney), David Johnson, Deanna Calloway, Ty’Erah Watkins, Jaylon Hudkins, Norman Townsend, Jr., Isaiah Townsend, Ray Pete, IV, Rae’li Pete, and Layla Townsend; six great grandchildren - Landyn Bullock, Lauryn Bullock, Carter Johnson, Julian Johnson, Savannah Johnson and Jace Johnson; four sisters – Greta T. Davis, Camp Springs, Maryland; Diane T. Brice, Easton, Maryland; Brenda Townsend-Milton, Hanover, Maryland; and Angela Townsend-Williams (Herman Williams, III), Preston, Maryland; two brothers – Mnason L. Townsend, Preston, Maryland and Wendell “Bud” Townsend, Preston, Maryland; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of beloved friends.

"I've fought the good fight, I've finished the race, and I've kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)

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