Ramona "Granny" Townsend

Ramona “Granny” Townsend, 90, of Smithfield was reunited with her beloved husband of 45 years, Byron “PaPa” Townsend, on Sunday, May 25th, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Lillie Owens and Raymond Banks. Mrs. Townsend is survived by her daughter, Tracey Eppolito (Jerry); son, Mickey Townsend; grandchildren, Faith, Grace, and Drew. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Ellen and Jimmie; brother Ray. Ramona is also survived by a long list of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Born in 1934 in Gainesville, Texas during the Great Depression, Ramona was a child of simple means who grew up knowing the value of hard work, faith, and resilience. Even as a young girl, she faced life with courage, leaving home in middle school with her sister to seek new opportunities and experiences that shaped the woman she would become.

Ramona was a woman ahead of her time. During the 1950s and ’60s, she nurtured a love for cooking, teaching herself through her favorite guide, Betty Crocker. She also developed a talent for fashion and makeup that later earned her a Best Dressed award in her community, a testament to her effortless elegance and confidence.

In the late 1960’s, while working at a bank in San Angelo, Texas she met Byron Townsend. Being an independent, self-made women, and Byron quickly fell in love with her kind heart, quick wit, and love of music and “dancin’”. They went on to share many adventures, including a move to Alaska to follow Byron’s dream. By the 70’s, Byron convinced Ramona to accomplish her goal of flying solo, leading her to get her pilot’s license. In addition to flying, Ramona also found a love of fishing for salmon on the Kenai River, mastering the art of smoking salmon in the traditional ways. Byron being a sports lover taught Ramona how to play golf which became a shared past time over the years between the two.

Together, Ramona and Byron raised two children, Tracey and Mickey, whom Ramona and Byron lovingly adopted. Their life was full of laughter, challenges, and beautiful memories. Additionally, Ramona had a special gift for gardening and a deep love for animals. Her garden bloomed with vibrant, abundant vegetables that her children enjoyed snacking on as they played outdoors.

In the 1990’s Ramona and Byron set-off for Texas back to family, friends, and warm weather. There they spent years of their retirement together enjoying activities while making memories with loved ones.

In her later years, Ramona lived with her daughter Tracey and became an essential part of their loving family. She helped care for her grandchildren with warmth and devotion. Even as she faced the challenges of dementia and Alzheimer’s, her sweet and gentle nature remained, touching the hearts of all who knew her. She was passionate about reading and could be found up late at night reading thick romance novels.

Ramona Townsend was a woman of quiet strength, boundless love, and enduring grace. Her life was a beautiful journey marked by resilience, kindness, and the peaceful calm she brought to everyone around her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

The family will host a gathering to honor Ramona’s memory at their home at 138 Holloway Drive, Smithfield, VA on Sunday, June 8th, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. All are welcome to stop by, share a smile, or offer love and support. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of your choice in Ramona’s honor. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.