Valerie Aleta Townsend

Valerie Aleta Townsend, daughter of the late Mary Camper, and Ralph Mason, was born on January 4, 1947, in Wilmington, Delaware. She departed this life on the 25th of July 2022 at Seasons Christiana Hospice Center in Newark, Delaware.

Valerie received her early childhood education in the public schools of Wilmington. She graduated from Wilmington High School in 1965. After school, she worked at Kosowsky's Food Market in Southbridge as a cashier for 20+ years and went to work for Dickerson High School as a custodian for 9 years until she had to retired.

Valerie married Leonard Townsend on June 4, 1966, at St. Mary's Church and they have two children from this union, Leonard and Leonette.

She joined St. Mary Catholic Church in 1992 under the leadership of the late Father James Trainor. She held her annual flea market to raise money for her annual Black History Luncheon, helped with the church Christmas bazaar, and helped with selling Girl Scout cookies for a church member. Valerie was also a Cub Scout leader in Southbridge Wilmington and arranged bus trips for Southbridge families to the Ice Capades, Harlem Globetrotters, the circus and amusement parks.

Valerie received many awards over her lifetime. She was a loving, kind-hearted, caring, sweet, devoted, and compassionate person who would give advice and help any and everyone when needed. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and taking pictures of her great-grandchildren.

Valerie was preceded in death by her mother Mary Camper, her stepfather James Camper, great-granddaughter Naisaya K. Townsend, sisters Charlene Robinson and Crystal Mason; sisters-in-law Joyce Townsend and Edith Brower; brothers-in-law Harlan Johnson, Sr. and James Townsend; and aunt Laura Middleton.

Valerie leaves to cherish her memories: her husband Leonard Townsend, Sr.; two children Leonard Townsend, Jr. and Leonette D. Townsend; her father Ralph Mason; two sisters Stacia Johnson and Sherrill Camper; one brother Anthony Camper (Phyllis); three grandchildren Ja'Kia L Townsend, Dondre' R. Townsend (Mandrea) and Ty'Mere L. Williams (Jasmine); nine great-grandchildren Da'Jon Stanback, Cam'Reen Townsend, Dondre' Townsend, Jr., Kaydence Moore, Korie' Townsend, Kaison Thomason, Leo Williams, Cali' Townsend and Angelena Carrero-Williams; three brothers-in-law Theodore Townsend, Pastor David Cunningham, Sr. and John Townsend (Cynthia); sister-in-law Glenda Townsend; devoted niece Darcell Robinson; spiritual children Felicia Alexander (Thomas), Holly Alexander; spiritual grand/great children Annelise, Ja'Cecia, Gerald, Sai-Sha, Aa'Laeiah, Ny'Zaiah, Devin, Aniah, Amani, JaCir, Jaidyn, Maaliyah, Jaion, Pierre and Nylah; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family & friends and parishioners of St. Mary's/St. Patrick's Churches. Her devoted friends are Margaret Levesque, Sue Naughton, Tyrell Brown and Norma Sudler. Previous Events


Viewing


AUG 5. 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (ET)

St. Mary's Catholic Church
601 E. 6th Street
Wilmington, DE 19801

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Celebration of Life


AUG 5. 10:00 AM (ET)

St. Mary's Catholic Church
601 E. 6th Street
Wilmington, DE 19801

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Resting Place


AUG 5 (ET)

Gracelawn Memorial Park
2220 North Dupont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720

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