Shirley Ging Townsend

Shirley Marie Ging Townsend, 88, of Taylor, passed away on November 26, 2023 surrounded by her family.

Shirley was born in Coupland, TX to Alfred and Ella Goetz Ging, on May 3, 1935.  At the age of 3, she and her family moved to Taylor.  She attended Taylor schools until her junior year, when her parents purchased a farm east of Granger, TX.  Shirley married Billy Gene Townsend on October 11, 1953 and they moved to California for 2 years while Bill served in the U.S. Navy.  After his discharge, they moved to Baytown, then back to Taylor, then off to Lockhart where they were both employed by the Lockhart schools. After 5 years, they moved back to Taylor and Bill began teaching Building Trades and Shirley was employed as an Instructional Aide until their retirement. They were both active in the Sunday School at the First Christian Church and then Shirley became a member of the Taylor Brethren Church. Shirley’s hobbies were oil painting, crafts, and working in her yard. She loved and felt so blessed with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Bill Townsend, parents Alfred and Ella Ging, father and mother in-law Bennie and Gladys Townsend, brothers Glen Roy Ging, Curtis Ging and brother-in-law Bobby Townsend.

She is survived by her daughter Cindy Hehmann (Randy), and son Kenneth Townsend (Lisa). Grandchildren Dawn Hirsch (Troy), Keith Hehmann (Ashlee), Chelsea Thompson (Dustin Hendrick) and Zachary Thompson. Great-grandchildren Alyssa Stuckly, Bryson Stuckly, Payton Hehmann, Hayden Hehmann, Presley Hirsch, Kaydence Epperson and Gage Johnson.  Sisters-in-law Tracie Ging, Dorothy Ging, Gladys Townsend and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Peter’s Church of Coupland.