Naomi Townsend Kohen
Naomi Townsend Kohen, 68, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, May 15, 2026, and woke in the arms of her Savior.
She was born on March 16, 1958, in Roanoke, Virginia, to the late John “Bud” and Margaret Townsend.
Naomi, lovingly known as “Noot” by her family, graduated from Northside High School in 1976. She spent her working years in roles that served others from cleaning houses to running Nana & Papa’s In-Home Daycare, and, for the last 20+ years, caring for intellectually and developmentally disabled adults in their home. Naomi’s life was marked by generosity and a heart for “the least of these.” In the early 2000s, her life was transformed by the love of Jesus. At the time of her passing, she was an active member of First Church of God in Roanoke, where her greatest passion was the Christian Women’s Council, in which she faithfully served as treasurer. You could hear Naomi’s laughter before you ever saw her. Her faith was lived out daily through compassionate, merciful service to those in need. Above all, Naomi deeply loved her family and extended family.
Naomi Kohen is survived by her husband, David Kohen; her two children, Wes Snider (Shelley) and Gail Snider; her three grandchildren, Daniel Jay, BreAnna Kerry and Brandon Allen; her two great-grand children, Taden Daniel and Bexley Renae; and Ricky, the special needs gentleman she lovingly cared for as her own for over 20 years.
She is also survived by her siblings: Redel Cawthon, Alice Holman (Barry), Fonceil Blake (David), Rev. John Townsend (Yvonne), Pat Spear (Tim), and Heather Myers (Bill).
She was preceded in death by her parents, John “Bud” Townsend and Margaret Townsend; her brother-in-law, Zed Cawthon; and her nephew, Matthew Townsend.
She will be deeply missed by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.
A celebration of life service will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at First Church of God, 5008 Hildebrand Rd NW, Roanoke, VA 24012. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 p.m., with the service at 2:00 p.m.
Though we grieve her absence, we rejoice knowing she is now whole and with her Savior.
