Jamel Laquanette Townsend was born December 4, 1990 to Yolanda Dillard Reese and William Townsend in Northampton County, Virginia. She attended Northampton County Schools and graduated from Northampton High School in 2009; where she also obtained her CNA Degree.

She was extremely dedicated to her field of expertise. Her natural gift of service to others was exemplified through her interactions with her clients. She was very conscientious in serving her patients with dignity, respect, and true compassion.

Jamel's life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Her gentle smile could melt the hearts of those around her, and she was a devoted and loyal friend to many.

She enjoyed taking pictures, listening to music, and spending time with her friends. Those who knew Jamel, knew that she was always polished to perfection. She was incredibly stylish, and it showed in her creative hairstyles. Her beauty was not just in her clothes or hair, but in her heart as well.

She adored her family; especially her mother, great-grandmother, and siblings. Words are not enough to express the unconditional love that existed between Jamel and Yolanda. They had a special bond and layers of happiness that will continue to exist. Jamel was the first grandchild to coin the nickname "Maw" for her great-grandmother. It is a term of endearment that she shares with her siblings. "Maw" was Jamel's caregiver when she was an infant, and they continued to have a strong relationship throughout her adulthood. Having been the only daughter for a number of years, she was extremely excited about the birth of her sister, Meikaylah. Her relationship with her siblings was never boring. They may have disagreed over little things, but at the end of the day they needed each other for a laugh and a hug.

Jamel leaves to cherish her memories: her mother, Yolanda Dillard Rease (Michael, Sr); her father, William Thomas Townsend (Dena); six brothers, Derek Jones, Deondre Battle, Mikal Battle, William TreVaughn Markise Townsend, Kody Tirese Townsend, and Michael Justin Travis Rease, Jr; two sisters, Meikaylah DaNecia Leigh Rease and Renille Demone Ka'Bony McCaskill; one great-grandmother, Deloris Dillard; two grandmothers, Clararecia West (Harry), and Mary Peed (Theodore); one grandfather, William Thomas Church (Doris); nine aunts, Valerie Tazewell (Lamont), Aletha Parker, Tyneisher Strand, Ebony Rease Morris (Antoni), Sandra Ruffin, Carol Suber (Ezra), Brenda Moses, Lummie Smith, and Odessa Stokes; four uncles, Harry West III/Kojack, Alvin Martin (Joyce), William Dillard, Jr (Denise), and John Morris (Lois); four special aunts, Regina Taylor (Ander), Romain Mapp (Alvin), Pamela Hughes (Michael), and Carol Elmandorf (Anthony); four special friends, Shawn Thomas, Brittney Eason, Dylan Bennett, and Tiara Satchell; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Jamel is predeceased by her grandmother, Dornecil Dillard, her great-grandfather, William Lee Dillard SR, and her great-grandmother, Louise Townsend.

Funeral services was held 12:00 p.m. Saturday, May 27, 2017 at Mt. Sinai Gospel Tabernacle, Fairview, Virginia with Elder Lummie Smith, Officiating. There was a visitation Friday, May 26, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the church. The interment was in the Cape Charles Community Cemetery.