1919 – 2013

CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla. — Anita Saunders Townsend died on Saturday, April 6, at home, in Crawfordville, Fla.

Anita was born on Sept. 4, 1919, in Brunswick, Ga. She graduated from Sopchoppy High School in 1937 and took her nursing training at Chattahoochee State Hospital, becoming an RN in 1941. She had a varied and successful nursing career. Her greatest accomplishment was being the public health nurse for Wakulla County from 1951 until 1989.

Under her guidance, many improvements and programs were implemented for the citizens of Wakulla County. Her leadership in professional, church and community activities was recognized and appreciated by many in Wakulla County and the surrounding area. She loved Wakulla County, and it loved her.

Bearers for Anita will be her grandsons; Jack Light Townsend Jr., James Austin “Jake” Townsend, Barrett McCoy “Bear” Townsend, Nathan Leroy Townsend, Aaron Leroy Townsend, David Leroy Townsend, Heath Harlan Campbell and Jarrod Allen Campbell.

Honorary bearers will be Thurman Roddenberry, Billy Roddenberry, Lagran Saunders, Jack Henderson, Dennis Tucker, Johnny Daniels, Ken “Stoney” Burke, Don Davis, Jayson Kirk, John Townsend, Dale Townsend, Ralph Coleman, Doug Townsend and Lyn Townsend.

Anita is survived by her sister; Juanita S. Roddenberry of Sopchoppy, Fla.; sons, C.L. Townsend Jr. of Plant City, Fla. and Jack Light Townsend Sr. of Temple Terrace, Fla. and their wives, Ione and Helen; eight grandsons; four great-grandsons; and a multitude of nieces, nephews and “adopted daughters and sons.”

She is predeceased by her husband, C.L. Townsend Sr.; two infant sons; her parents, Bill and Mattie Sanders of Sopchoppy; and brothers, W.T. Sanders and J.D. Saunders.