Mrs. Mary Jane Stanley Townsend, age 83 of Ellijay, GA, passed away on Friday, November 21st, 2025 at her residence.

Mrs. Townsend was born on August 28th, 1942 in Ellijay, GA to the late Herbert Stanley and the late Margaret Dempsey Stanley. Mary loved the Lord with all her heart and was a member of the Crossroads Baptist Church of Ellijay, GA. She worked at the Chatsworth Nursing home as a Certified Nursing Assistant. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Townsend is preceded in death by her three brothers, Jerry Stanley, Emory Stanley, and Clifford "Jabo" Stanley, and her sister, Maggie Clayton.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Mr. William Townsend of Ellijay, GA; son, Chad Townsend of Ellijay, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Bo (Charlene) Stanley of Ellijay, GA; sister, Shirley Southern, and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral Services to honor the life of Mrs. Townsend will be held on Monday, November 24th, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Eddie Kerr and Rev. Junior Maney officiating. Vocals will be provided by Mrs. Vicki Kerr and family. Graveside Interment will follow in the Crossroads Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Charles Wright officiating. The following gentlemen will be serving as pallbearers: Mark Southern, Brandon Mulkey, Bryson Mulkey, Mark Martin, Rev. Jamie Kerr, Brandon Kerr, and Drew Parks.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Food and flowers will be accepted in memory of Mrs. Mary Jane Townsend.

The family would like to thank Willowbrook Hospice for their exceptional care.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay is entrusted with these arrangements.