Debra Kay Townsend (Debbie), 72, of Bridge City, Texas, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025, at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston.
Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City. Officiating will be Reverend Keith Royal of First Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00p.m., Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.
Debbie was born in Orange, Texas, and was a lifelong resident of Bridge City. She graduated with the Bridge City High School Class of 1970, then went on to complete the LVN program at Lamar in Port Arthur, becoming a licensed nurse. She later retired from Dupont, where she worked as an auditor, and followed that with a creative second career—founding Designs by Debbie, where she brought custom home designs to life for builders and families in the area.
Above all else, Debbie treasured her family. She was the heart of her home—loving, steady, and kind. Her granddaughter held a particularly special place in her heart. Known affectionately as “Mammaw,” Debbie was her greatest supporter, her confidante, and her constant source of love and encouragement. She was a wonderful wife and mother with a nurturing spirit and an unwavering devotion to her loved ones.
Debbie enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: working a puzzle, spending time in the garden, swimming, shopping, or a lunch date. These moments spent with her husband, Rodney, or her beloved granddaughter, were some of her happiest. She brought warmth and care to everything she did, and those lucky enough to know her will carry her memory with them always.
She is survived by her loving husband, Rodney Townsend Sr.; their son Rodney Townsend Jr. and his wife Amy of Bridge City; her granddaughter and greatest joy, Alexandria (Alex) Townsend of Houston; her brother Doug Schell and wife Vicky of Tyler; her loyal fur baby Jolly; and many nieces, nephews, and other cherished family members and friends.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Lessie Pearl Schell (Hargrave) and Thomas E. Schell.
Debbie and Rodney would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on July 9, 2025. As we remember her life, we celebrate the love she gave so freely and the beautiful memories she leaves behind. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Serving as pallbearers will be Bo Mires, Bryan Mulhollan, Jason Martin, Jesus Oceguera, Charles “Chuck” Bounds, Shane Dorsey. Honorary pallbearers will be Avil Brown and Don Zierold.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Bridge City – Orangefield Ministerial Alliance.
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