Susan Belinda McPherson Townsend

Susan Belinda McPherson Townsend passed away on September 19, 2021. She was 67 years old, born on August 4, 1954. She was a lifelong resident of Ocean Springs, MS where she was a twelve-year student at Ocean Springs public schools and where she taught and served as a principal for thirty -seven years. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Ocean Springs, MS throughout her life but had recently joined the Mosaic Church. Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Louis Townsend; her mother, Mattie Martin McPherson; and her father, Jack H. McPherson. She is survived by her sons, Adam (Miranda) Townsend of Mobile, AL and Austin Townsend of Ocean Springs, MS; stepson, Robert Ashley Townsend of Sumrall, MS; sister, Jackie (Michael) Kilpatrick of Fairhope, AL; sister-friend, Patti (Wilburn) Kirkland of Ocean Springs, MS; four grandchildren, Mackenzie Reese, Madelyn Faith, Jack Hanson, and Samuel Mitchell; three nephews, Jason (Stacey) Kilpatrick of Ocean Springs, MS, Jeremy (Tiffany) Kilpatrick of Fairhope, AL, and Joshua Kilpatrick of Seattle, WA; numerous great nieces and nephews; many cousins; extended family members; and many friends. Susan had a major impact on many people during her lifetime. She worked for thirty-seven years in the Ocean Springs School District as a special education teacher and a principal at the alternative school, after she earned a Master’s degree in Administration. In the role of Mrs. T, she helped guide many students as well as many teachers through life. She had a special way of bringing the “good” out of her students and helping those that work for and with her through the trials of teaching high school. She had many friends and when they gathered for Bunko, poker, tennis, or just for fellowship, Susan was always the life of the party. She was always on the go and loved to exercise, walking at least 10,000 steps each day. Whether it was to help with an event or to lend a shoulder to cry on, Susan was always there for her friends and family. Susan’s heart though belonged to her sons, Adam and Austin. Her favorite role was that of Grammie. She was a devoted grandmother to her four grandchildren and spent as many hours as possible teaching and playing with them. Although our hearts are broken and she will be truly missed, we know she is riding Robert, her mother, her father, and all those family and friends who have passed before her, around in her new car on the golden roads of Heaven. A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 6:30 pm with a service at 6:30 pm on Friday, September 24, 2021 all at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs, MS. A private burial will be held. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs is honored to serve the family of Susan Townsend.