Jerry Thomas Townsend

 Mr. Jerry Thomas Townsend, 83, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 19th, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Mike Dowd officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Townsend Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Townsend was born March 8, 1943, in Neshoba County, to William “Mutt” and Nadine Wilcher Townsend. He married Geneva Buck and together they shared 61 years of marriage. Over the years, he was a drywall installer and worked in the logging business.

Despite experiencing a stroke many years ago, Jerry never lost the stubborn determination and strong-willed spirit that defined him. He always found joy by engaging in teasing conversation that always resulted in loud laughter. He had a strong desire to stay connected with family and for the younger generation to know their family history. He spent many hours trying to tell stories through old pictures.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Frank Townsend; a son-in-law, Tim Cutlip; a sister, Peggy Duckworth; two brothers, Truman Townsend and Billy Townsend; and a granddaughter, Crystal Romedy.

He is survived by his wife, Geneva Buck Townsend of Louisville; a son, Thomas (Kay) Townsend of Louisville, MS; a daughter, Jerri Cutlip of Blue Springs, MS; a sister-in-law, Ruby Townsend of Philadephia, MS; four grandchildren, Chad (Megan) Townsend, Matthew Cutlip, Beka Townsend, and Darrion Wesley; and a number of great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Chad Townsend, Matthew Cutlip, Jeremiah Shaffer, Al Duckworth, Richard Townsend, and Randy Townsend.