Elsie Louise Townsend, lovingly called "Mama Lou" was born on August 30, 1935 in Northampton County, Virginia. She departed from this life on Sunday, May 8, 2016 at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, Nassawadox, VA. She was the daughter of the late George and Cleo Rose Hickman.

Mama Lou attended the Northampton County Public School and was employed by Perdue Farms and The Holiday Inn for many years.

She was married to the late Otis Townsend. She was predeceased by a son, George Townsend, a sister, Sadie Robinson and a brother, George Hickman.

Mama Lou was a very loving and caring person who could make you laugh until you cried and enjoyed feeding others.

Mama Lou leaves to cherish fond memories: 4 daughters; Clarecia West (Harry),Capeville, VA, Belleneice Townsend, Baltimore, MD, Brenda Moses, Cape Charles, VA, Denise Jones, Portsmouth, VA; 4 sons; Charles Townsend (Ernestine), Vernon, New York, Albert Townsend (Doris), Baltimore, MD, John Townsend (Francis) Cape Charles, VA, Thomas Townsend, Cape Charles, VA; 19 Grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 1 sister, Marion Rankins (Frank), Lawnside, New Jersey, 1 brother, Clifton Hickman, Philadelphia, PA; 2 sisters-in-law, Alice Nottingham (Jospeh), Capeville, VA, Catherine Hickman, Long Island, New York, 2 brothers-in-law, Robert Townsend (Willie), Georgia, El Lee Townsend, Cheapside, VA; and a dear friend of the family, Patricia Wiggins; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.