Pastor Emeritus Gloria E. - Metropolitan Funeral Service

2 Timothy 4:7-8
7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge,
shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
VICTORY CELEBRATION
Pastor Emeritus Gloria E.
Townes
January 20, 1929 n August 7, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
11:00 a.m.
Garden of Prayer Worship Center
1001 Church Street
Norfolk, Virginia
Bishop Levi Willis, Pastor
Apostle Eddie P. Dunlap,
Officiating
Life Reflections
Gloria Elizabeth Fentress-Townes, affectionately known as “Ditty”,
82, transitioned from her earthly residence to her new home on August 7, 2011.
She is predeceased in death by her husband, Johnnie O. Townes; son, James
Lloyd Kinney and parents, the late Deacon Lemuel Fentress and the Rev. Dr.
Bishop Eva B. Fentress of Chesapeake, Virginia.
She was educated in the Norfolk Public School System where she graduated
from Booker T. Washington High School. After working at the Atlantic
Waste Paper Company for many years, she attended the Norfolk Division State
College, where she studied Business Administration, excelling to a degree in
Adult Distributive Education. She received a certificate of training of Virginia
Ministry at Goldsboro, North Carolina campus. Furthering her education, she
completed a degree in cosmetology at Anne’s Beauty Academy. Upon receiving
state license, she became employed as a beautician at Fentress Beauty Shop
located in Chesapeake, Virginia.
At early age, Ditty found Christ and followed the lead of her grandfather, Alex
Varner, pastor of Solid Rock Church of Christ Disciples of Christ. Later on
Ditty joined her mother, Bishop Doctor Fentress, as she rolled up her sleeves
and labored in ministry doing whatever was needed. In 1951, she assisted her
mother and founded her first mission in the Oakwood section of Norfolk. In
1968, Dr. Fentress founded her second church, Saint Paul Church of Christ
Disciples of Christ where Ditty served as assistant pastor. After her mother
transitioned on August 6, 1987, Ditty became the senior pastor in August
1988, where she served in this capacity for 13 years. Two ministries were
birthed out of St. Paul Church of Christ Disciples of Christ; Grace Deliverance
Tabernacle, Portsmouth, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Mary Key and St.
Paul Deliverance Christian Center, Norfolk, under the leadership of Apostle
Eddie P. Dunlap. She was a member of the Washington & Norfolk District
Assembly, Women’s Home Mission, North Albermarle District Union, Officer
of the North Albermarle Sunday School Convention, and Director of the CYF
Choir. After unexpected failure in health, Pastor Townes gave up her pastorate
August 5, 2001; however, remained a humble servant and faithful member.
She leaves to cherish in her memory four sons: Lemuel Kinney (Deborah),
Everett Starkes, Ronald Starkes, and Dr. Sylvester K. Starkes; honorary son,
Jerry L. Davis; a brother, Edward Wilder; 10 grandchildren: Lemuel Kinney,
Jr. (Vergie), special grand-daughter Latonia Mack-Mullen (Derrick), Kendal
Kinney (Chrissie), Everett Starkes, Jr., Tawana Starkes, Matthew Starkes,
DeShawn Kinney, Takia Starkes, Marucious Wilson, and adopted grandson
David Clanton; 17 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; 1 niece, 4
nephews; special cousin, Mattie McConn; a host of cousins, relatives and many
many friends.
Order of Service
Processional.............................................Sacrificed His Life for My Liberty, Clergy & Family
Invocation........................................................................................... Bishop Johnnie L. Reid
Pastor Garrett Memorial Community Church, Norfolk, VA
Opening Selection.................................................................................The Lord is Blessing Me
Old Testament- Psalm 27:1-14..............................................................Rev. Dr. Mary Key
Grace Deliverance Tabernacle, Portsmouth, VA
New Testament-1 Corinthians 15:50-58.............................................Pastor Bobby Bowser
Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, Norfolk, VA
Prayer of Comfort......................................................................................Pastor James Webb
Shepherd’s House Ministries, Norfolk, VA
Chant.............................................................................................. Lord Help Me to Hold Out
Acknowledgements...................................................Elder Melaine Reid, Garrett Community
Musical Selection...................................................................................................Total Praise
Reflections Home Church:
Pastor Antonio Woolard, St. Paul Church of Christ DOC
Organization:
Elder Dr. Cynthia D. Buck, New Bethlehem Church of Christ DOC/Washington
& Norfolk District Assembly
Community:
Pastor Mary Woodhouse, Philadelphia Holy Disciples Church of Christ
Friend:
Elderess Mary Brown, St Paul Church of Christ DOC
Family:
Lemuel Kinney, Oldest Son, Atlanta, GA
Worship Leader
Pastor Pamela W. Castellanos
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
Musical Selection......................................................................................................... Change
Silent Reading of Obituary......................................................................................Soft Music
Solo.........................................When I See Jesus............................................. Pastor Adrienne Lee
Agape Full Gospel Deliverance & Worship Center, Chesapeake, VA
Eulogy............................................................................................... Apostle Eddie P. Dunlap
St. Paul Deliverance Christian Center, Norfolk, VA
Recessional.................................................................................................... Going Up Yonder
Interment
Roosevelt Memorial Park
Chesapeake, VA
Remembering Mom
Mom I thank you for the love and caring you gave me
throughout my life. There are no words that describe the love
in my heart for you. You were always there when I needed
you and Lord knows I will miss you. We said our good byes’
before you departed. When your speech left you, that little
kiss you planted on my face let me know you loved me.
I know that I will never find a love like yours, because there
is no love like the love of a mother for her child. So I say
good bye to you for now and I know I will see you again.
Your son,
Lemuel
Dear Mama,
The love of my life, my mom, big sister, and my best friend;
you were always there for me when everyone else left me. You
taught me the principles of life and your major attribute is
being a woman’s advocate. You were always supportive of me
and help me become the man I am. Because of you, I learned
to respect all women because you demanded respect and for
that I thank you. I will miss you, until we meet again.
See you soon,
Everett
Momma,
You lived a good life. You raised me right. I love you for all that you
have done for me. Sleep on!
Love,
Ronald
Momma, I do not have to say anything today that I have
not already told you many times before. You have been the
best mom a son could every wish for; I remember your first
touch even when I was just an embryo in your womb. After
I was born, I remember you saying that you earnestly prayed
for a baby girl while carrying me… you even cried when
you looked between my legs and did not get your wish! God
knows best, you already had four hardhead boys and needed
a guiding angel to lead them from mischief and trouble,
therefore, he sent me! It was God’s divine plan because he
knew that you would have to raise us, a portion of your life,
as a single parent. Being the BABY gave me many advantages
and I took full liberties in reaping the benefits. Thanks for
providing nurture and meeting our physical, mental, social,
emotional and spiritual needs. Do you remember ALL the
times you let me go with you and Grandmamma even when
she said leave that boy home sometimes? I believe hanging
with you at the beauty shop gave me an advantage in my teen
and adult life. When it came to do’s and don’ts in dealing
with females, beauty shop gossip was the best education a
fellow could hope for!
I was empowered by the strong spiritual and moral guidance
you showed; teaching me never to judge or harm anyone.
During the last three years you lived with me, I saw you
slowly face the challenges described in the fourth-human cycle
of life stage. It was my pleasure to have been there when you
needed me the most. Even when you would say, “I’m ready to
die” in the difficult days, you would smile through your pain.
You will always be in my heart, mind and soul… I release
you now to spend time with grandma without her having to
say leave him home this time! I will miss you even when the
crying and pain stops. I will see you again someday; you will
be the second person I want to see after I SEE JESUS.
Your Baby ~”Babay”
Sylvester Keith
Momma,
It was a blessing to know and love you. We shared many
sacred and cherished moments. You will always be in my
heart. Thank you for encouraging me during difficult times,
in spite of your health. I will forever remember your laugh
on the phone (especially when you were talking to Aunt Mattie, Pastor Key, or Ms. Brown). I will always remember your
favorite sayings; “I’m ready to eat, what you know no good,
ain’t that something, gawly, ain’t that a shame,
and thank you just the same”.
I will always remember the smile you had on your face Sunday morning. We rejoice knowing that you have a new home.
We look forward to joining you, we love you but God loves
you best.
Love,
Jerry
A GRANDMOTHER’S LOVE
A Grandmother’s Love is oh so sweet,
it’s a love that you will always keep.
We know we cannot always be together but we do know a
Grandmother’s love is forever.
You had so many things to say and they were always
said in a special way.
A Grandmother’s Love will never die; we can feel it coming
from the sky. I bet your place in heaven has a good view because you’re telling God you need to keep your eyes on a few.
So thank you for the gift of love. I know you are still sharing
it up above, you will always be in our hearts and minds for
my Grandmother love was one of a kind.
Loving you always,
Grandchildren
Alfonza Campbell
Leander Davis
Michael Davis
Pallbearers
Marquis Harris
John Hodges
Jarvon Mack
Rodney Manley
Orlando Mangual
Tyrus Young
Floral Bearers
Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, Norfolk
Garrett Memorial Community Church, Norfolk
Shepherds House Ministries, Norfolk
Ushers
Love
Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, Norfolk
Garrett Memorial Community Church, Norfolk
Shepherds House Ministries, Norfolk
Nurses
Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, Norfolk
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
Shepherds House Ministries, Norfolk
Repast
Immediately following interment at Garden of Prayer Worship Center.
Expression of Gratitude
Honor
The family of Gloria E. Townes acknowledges with sincere appreciation for
every act of kindness expressed toward them during the illness and demise
of our dear love one.
Special Thanks to Dr. Lloyd Shabazz, Dr. Michael Sotosky, Dr. Chang,
Heartland Hospice Services, Bishop Levi Willis and the Garden of Prayer
Church of God in Christ, Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, and Garrett
Memorial Community Church, Dr. Armin after Dr. Chang and Antioch
Missionary Baptist Church and Shepherds House Ministries
Professional Services Entrusted To:
Cherish
Metropolitan Funeral Service
757.628.1000
7246 Granby St.
5605 Portsmouth Blvd.
120 W. Berkley Ave.
Norfolk, VA 23505
Portsmouth, VA 23701
Norfolk, VA 23523
www.metropolitanfuneralservice.com
Kenneth C. Alexander, Proprietor