Ashley Townsend

Ashley J. Townsend of Welch, WV, formerly of Hemphill, WV, departed this life on April 10, 2023 at Welch Community Hospital. Ashley was born on February 1, 1985, to the late Nathan “Bubba” Townsend and Martha “Bonnie” McBride of Welch, WV. Ashley attended McDowell County Public Schools and was a graduate of Mt. View High School. Ashley was the graduating Valedictorian of her class. Ashley attended Marshall University, where she would receive her bachelor’s degree. At the time of her death, Ashley was pursuing her master’s degree from Xavier University. Ashley was recognized at Xavier University for making the Dean’s life. After graduating from high school, Ashley began working for Children’s Home Society in Huntington, WV. Ashley also worked for Children’s Home Society in Northfork, WV. Ashley was employed by the Mount Healthy District of Cincinnati, OH, as a counselor and case manager. Prior to her death, Ashley was working at Goodwill and Fisher’s in Cincinnati, OH. Ashley enjoyed reading, writing poems, and short stories. Ashley was exceptionally smart and creative.

 Ashely was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Nathan and Ida May Townsend; Paternal relatives, Czell Townsend, Yvonne Townsend, Yolanda Collins, Shelby Collins, Kamal Collins, Bryan Gustus, and Darryl Walker; maternal grandparents, Moir McBride and Beatrice Spencer McBride; Maternal relatives, Lincoln, Thomas, Charles (Jake), Arthur (Bully), David, Alfred, John Henry, Robert Moir, Ann Johnson, Mamie Johnson, Gladys Johnson, Betty Belcher, Phoebe Burke, and Paul McBride.

Ashley leaves to cherish her precious memories and wonderful times to her only sister, Angela Townsend of Welch, WV; aunts, Patricia Burnette of Decatur, GA, Jeanette Hunter of Washington, D.C., Marie Kirkland of Detroit, MI, and Jean McBride of Ft. Worth, TX; uncles, Richard (Wilma) McBride of Queens, NY; Ashley will be missed by her favorite uncle, Lorenzo Belcher; a host of other relatives and friends also survive. Ashley was a soft-spoken, kind-hearted, and ambitious young woman. She was a very sweet person and she will be truly missed.

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 PM Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home with Rev. Timothy Hairston presiding. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens where family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call one hour prior to services.