Loleta Marie Townsend was born October 27, 1967, in Lansing, Michigan. She was born to William M. Chappell and Mandy Bell Townsend. Loleta was a God-fearing woman, who came to know Christ at an early age. She was a founding member of Jesus of Nazareth Church of God in Christ, where she once sang in the choir and ushered. Loleta graduated from Lansing Eastern High School. She was well known in track and field and broke the high school record in the hurdles. She completed her higher education at Lansing Community College and was a devoted homemaker. She had a heart of gold and was a mother to many in the community. Loleta spent many years giving herself to the community, volunteering, assisting at many shelters, and housing those who were homeless. She loved doing hair, cooking, shopping, singing, and spending quality time with her children and grandchildren. Though she endured many health challenges, never once did she use her disability as a crutch. She encouraged her children to be fighters and never quit. She had many years of pain and suffering, but had the will-power to fight to live and overcome her many ailments. She was a very strong willed woman of purpose. She used her knowledge to empower those around her to fight like champs. Everyone who came across her path loved her guidance and cooking. She had several nick names that she will always be remember by, such as Lola and Moe , but most importantly as a Community Mother . She was preceded in death by her mother, Mandy Bell Townsend and sister, Brenda Hartwell. Loleta transitioned to Glory on Sunday, October 7, 2012 and leaves to cherish her memory: her children, DeQuan Townsend, Steven Jackson and Tiara Townsend; grandchildren, Casharie Lamb, Jayden Townsend, Malakye Smith Townsend, and Dequavion Townsend; her beloved father, William M. Chappell; aunt/mother, Geraldine Nelson; sisters, Laurie Townsend, Lamonica Townsend, Silvia Debbie , Willie Hayes, and LaWanda Nelson; brothers, Lionel Townsend and Michael Chappel; special aunt and uncle, Pastor Aaron and Lady Virgie Milton; family friends, Clementine Jackson and family, Hudson family, Nelson family, Milton family, Johnson family and Townsend family; close friends, Chira, Deishon, Sheryl Ann, Tammy, Julie, BJ, Jason, Margurita, Ike, Tontaleah, Aldina, Constance, Antionette; and many aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and specials friends around the world. Friends may visit Mrs. Townsend Friday, October 12,2012 from 3-6pm at Riley funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 1pm at Tabernacle of David 2645 West Holmes Road Lansing, MI 48911. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service