Yoelanda Laverne Townsend, 86, of Kell, Illinois, went home to the Lord on October 1, 2022 at Saint Louis University Hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri. She was born June 2, 1936 in Kinmundy, Illinois to the late Ellery and Bessie Bernice (Eddings)  Butts. Laverne married Jack Townsend on October 8, 1954 in Mount Vernon, Illinois. They were shy just one week of celebrating 68 years of marriage and 71 years together.

In addition to her beloved husband, Laverne is survived by her children, Jacqueline Clark and husband, Jerry of Mount Vernon, Glenda Oliver of Kell and significant other, Jeff Ruhl of Centralia, Illinois, Vanessa Tucker and husband, Bill of Mount Vernon, and Keith Townsend of Kell; grandchildren, Shawnda Weemer and husband, Michael of Kell, Brent Townsend of Salem, Illinois, Calvin Clark of Mount Vernon, Michael Tucker and significant other, Erica Jeffra of Mount Vernon, and Allison Tucker of Pittsburg, Illinois; great-grandchildren, Grace Tucker, Aiden Townsend, Nora Weemer, Olivia Jeffra, and Owen York; brother, Quinten Butts and wife, Barb of Kinmundy, Illinois; brothers-in-law, Billy Townsend and wife, Linda of Vandalia, Illinois and Myron Hanks of Kinmundy; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Laverne was preceded in death by her siblings, Burdette Butts, Rosetta Hanks, and Cindy Dunbar; and son-in-law, Jim Oliver.

Laverne worked as a monitor at Beck Bus for many years. She was a faithful member of Waltonville Community Baptist Church. She enjoyed going to shows and dancing while her husband played the guitar. Laverne was a wonderful, giving person. She will always be remembered as the best wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Laverne will be deeply missed on Earth until her family reunites with her in Heaven.

A Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 4, 2022 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon. A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Mount Vernon Baptist Temple in Mount Vernon with Pastor Tim Reynolds officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Laverne’s honor to the Townsend family, in care of Jack Townsend.

Call Newell Funeral Home at 618-246-0100 or visit newellfuneralhome.com for further information.