Leah Ann Townsend
Leah Ann Townsend, 66, of Forest passed away in the presence of her loved ones Sunday, July 27, 2025. She was the daughter of her stepfather, the late Daniel Sutherland and Mother Eva Mae Sutherland.
Leah, born September 3, 1958, was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of Christ, went home to be with her Savior in 2025. Her life was marked by compassion, unwavering love, and tireless service to others. She was a caregiver, encourager, and a woman of deep faith whose legacy will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched.
Leah was a high school graduate who completed approximately two years of college coursework before earning an Associate Degree in Accounting. Though she initially aspired to become a social worker, her path led her into the field of accounting, where she found purpose in helping others through her work.
Her professional journey spanned several decades and included positions at Hair Cuttery (1977–1984), Los Angeles County (1984–1985), TransAmerica Marketing (1985–1994), and InService America, where she faithfully worked from 1994 until her retirement in 2019.
In 1991, Leah became a Christian—a transformative moment that defined the rest of her life. She was a dedicated member of Crossroads Baptist Church from 1991 to 2004, and later Thomas Terrace Baptist Church from 2004 to 2025. Her ministry work was heartfelt and consistent: she served in the church bus ministry for over 12 years, coordinated women’s outreach for a year, and was a beloved presence in the Trunk or Treat ministry for 14 years.
Outside of her professional and spiritual commitments, Leah found joy in simple pleasures. She enjoyed crocheting, painting still life, and tending to her vegetable garden. In her youth, she wrote heartfelt poetry. Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Orlando, Florida were among her favorite vacation spots, offering her cherished moments of peace and beauty.
Leah’s warmth extended to animals and nature. She had a special bond with her pug, Elmer, and loved watching hummingbirds from her kitchen window. She also had an endearing fondness for capybaras. Yellow roses and mums brought her joy, just as her favorite films and television shows—It’s a Wonderful Life, anything on the Hallmark Channel, The Middle, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and The Andy Griffith Show—provided her comfort and laughter.
Above all, Leah’s greatest calling was to serve and care for others. She spent six years lovingly caring for her mother after a stroke and later supported her in-laws for over three years. She stood faithfully by her brother’s side through eight years of illness and played an instrumental role in raising her grandchildren. Her heart knew no bounds—she opened her home to a 15-year-old in need for five years, served as a foster parent, and extended love and shelter to many others over the course of 37 years. Leah also ran a free food pantry named in her honor in downtown Lynchburg, Virginia. The pantry has been in existence since 2022. Leah’s free food pantry feeds individuals & families facing food insecurity every Saturday 1-4pm. Leah saved food personally to fill the pantry shelves so families had food to eat throughout the month, for free, without having to worry where their next meal may come from.
Leah battled serious health challenges in her final years, but her faith in Jesus remained steadfast. She possessed a gift of discernment and was a wise counselor to those around her, especially to her beloved husband, who called her his best friend. Though her absence leaves a tremendous void, her family finds peace in knowing that she is healed, whole, and rejoicing in Heaven.
Her loved ones are forever grateful for the time they shared with her, and for the enduring example she set. Leah Townsend’s life was a testimony of grace, service, and unwavering love—and she will be missed beyond measure. Her family takes comfort in the hope of reunion in eternity and thanks all who have offered their prayers, kind words, and support during this time.
In addition to her parents Leah was preceded in passing by her birth father Robert Clarence Frazier; and her brother Bobby Frazier.
Those left to cherish Leah’s memory include her beloved husband, Carl Townsend; her son Christopher Townsend; her grandchildren Daniel Townsend and Nadia Townsend; her siblings Tommy Frazier, Clarence “Robbie” Frazier; her mother-in-law Carol Townsend; father-in-law Carl Townsend, Sr.; her brother-in-law Jeff Townsend and his wife Judy, she was a foster mom to William Jeffrey Rimmer, and numerous beloved cousins.
A celebration of Leah’s life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Thomas Terrace Baptist Church at 11am officiated by Pastor Mark Grooms and Pastor Bill Johnson. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. A graveside committal will follow at Virginia Memorial Park.
