Frances Townsend Coleman

Frances Nadeline Townsend-Coleman’s love of life did not come to an end with her earthly departure.  Her influence continues in the memories of family and friends.  Frances transitioned to her Heavenly Home on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at the age of 76 after a courageous battle with multiple medical complications. 

Born on June 12, 1944 to the late Mnason W. Townsend and Dorothy Foster Townsend of Preston, Maryland, Frances was one of nine children.  She received her formal education in the Caroline County Public Schools, attending Jonestown Elementary School and graduating from Lockerman High School in the Class of 1962. She graduated from Apex Beauty School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pursuing an alternate career tract, Frances served for many years as the Credit Manager for the Marianne Shoppes until their closing. With an eye for working in the area of finance, she then pursued an opportunity with Continental Bank, starting as a teller and advancing  to Head Teller prior to leaving for employment with the Internal Revenue Service, the position from which she retired. After retirement, Frances volunteered her services with the Lions Eye Bank of Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania.

Raised in a Christian home, Frances joined Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church at a young age and was active in Sunday School, the Methodist Youth Fellowship and the Youth Choir. Upon relocating to Philadelphia after graduation, Frances remained active in the church, making Janes United Methodist her church home. Over time, she held membership at Trinity-Chelten United Methodist, Bickley New Beginnings United Methodist, and lastly Asbury United Methodist of Easton, Maryland. She served in numerous capacities in these churches including Certified Lay Servant, Stephen Minister, church treasurer, choir member, and chair of various committees.  She had an elegant soprano voice and was frequently invited to sing for concerts, special days, funerals and weddings at the church and throughout Philadelphia.  Frances was also extremely active in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church, serving at both the District and Annual Conference levels.

On June 15, 1968, Frances wed Carlton G. Coleman, II.  One son, Carlton G. Coleman, III  was born to this union. Frances’ love for family and making others comfortable continued after she set up her own home where she hosted many of the family gatherings.  She was an excellent baker, cook, wife and mother. 

Frances will be missed, but our loss is Heaven’s gain.  Frances was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Carlton Coleman II and one sister, Elaine Townsend. She leaves to mourn her passing one son, Carlton, III; one granddaughter, Cierra; four great grandchildren – Myel, Malani, Mya, and Malayiah; five sisters – Greta (Bennie) Davis, Camp Springs, Maryland;  Diane T. Brice,  Easton, Maryland; Clarissa Townsend, St. Michaels, Maryland; Brenda Townsend-Milton, Hanover, Maryland; and Angela (Herman) Williams, Preston, Maryland; two brothers – Mnason L. Townsend, Preston, Maryland and Wendell “Bud” Townsend, Easton, Maryland; one additional brother-in-law, Dwayne Coleman, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins,  nieces, nephews, and friends.  

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7) 

Please consider making donations to the Asbury Preservation Project. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frances Townsend Coleman, please visit our floral store.