Margaret Rose Townson

Margaret Rose Townson was received into the presence of her Lord and Savior on January 8, 2025. A memorial service will take place at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Peoria Baptist Church in Peoria, TX.

Peggy was born in Painesville, Ohio on September 14, 1942 to her beloved parents. Her early years of life were spent in New York, after which, she and her family moved to Burbank, CA where she grew up. Peggy graduated from John Burroughs High School in 1960. Shortly thereafter, she married the love of her life, James “Mickey” Townson on August 25, 1961. Her marriage to Mickey carried her to multiple areas of residence, until she and Mickey settled in Whitney, Texas, where they raised their three sons, Scott, Pat, and Tim.

After some years of raising her children at home, she began a career as a nurse at Barton & Hill Medical Clinic in 1975. During her time at the Medical Clinic, she provided care and attention to Dr. Hill’s patients and developed lifelong relationships with professional peers and local residents alike. She remained there for 13 years until, in 1988, Peggy began her long-time service as secretary at Prairie Valley Baptist Church under Pastor Eddie Booth, one of her dearest family friends. Peggy enjoyed her many years at PVBC as she became an impactful member of the community, touching the lives of everyone she met. In 2010, after 22 dedicated years, she retired from her position at the church and embraced her full-time role as beloved matriarch of the Townson family, which had grown substantially by the time of her retirement.

Peggy’s joy and comfort was in having family and friends around her to whom she provided that same beautiful comfort and love. An excellent cook, she loved to be in the kitchen preparing delicious meals she would share at every turn. Never without an interesting tale, humorous joke, or bit of sage wisdom, Peggy was ever the conversationalist and enjoyed talking to anyone and everyone. She loved to travel and would often reminisce on some of her favorite memories including those of annual family trips to Newport Beach, CA during her childhood and early adult years, where she and her family would escape to a carefree life by the sea; a trip to the UK with Mickey, her children, and their beloved Booth family; their family mountain cabin in Red River, NM; and countless other fun and exciting adventures she would partake in throughout her life. In her free time, she loved antiquing, puzzles, painting and crafts, and often spent hours listening to hymns of old. 

She was a dear friend to many and her love lives on in the hearts and minds of all those who were blessed by her wonderful, loving spirit. Peggy, our mother, Oma, best friend, and confidant, will be missed more than our words can express.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, James “Mickey” Townson, her first born son, Scott, her parents, Bernard and Margaret Jessen, and her brother-in-law, Jim Benson.

She is survived by her sons Pat (Kim) Townson, Tim (Robin) Townson, and Scott’s widow, Sue Townson; her sister, Anna Jessen and her children Troy (Melissa) Benson and Amy Benson; her grandchildren, Jamie (Kathryn) Townson, Josh (Heather) Townson, Jacob (Ashley) Townson, Heather (Michael) Steele, Hollie (Matthew) Stevenson, McKenzie (Eduardo) Townson, Seth Townson, Shauna (Craig) Cannon, and Lacy Butler; 21 great-grandchildren, numerous other nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Peggy will be laid to rest privately at Prairie Valley Cemetery beside her Mickey, at an undisclosed time. If you wish to send flower arrangements for the memorial service, please have them delivered to Peoria Baptist Church.