Bishop Dr. Willie Charles Townsend

Life for Bishop Dr. Willie Charles Townsend began on May 29, 1952, in Troy, AL. He was the eldest of fourteen children and attended the Jewell Academy and Seminary during his early school years. This launched his future destiny.

Bishop Townsend was saved and received the Holy Ghost as a young child, under the late Bishop Leslie L. Perry, his pastor at the time.

In 1966, his parents were asked to move to Indianapolis, IN by the late Overseer, Bishop Mattie L. Jewell, where he continued his education, and graduated from Shortridge High School. He also continued his education and received a diploma in Computer technology, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Divinity from Indiana Wesleyan University. He later received his doctorate degree and became even more humble.

Bishop Townsend served in the United States Army for three years during the Vietnam Conflict from 1972-1975. After returning home safely from his military duty, he immediately got active serving in God’s Army in roles as Deacon and Tithes Secretary. Shortly afterwards, he accepted his call to become a minister. He also served as a Sunday Bible School Teacher, Associate Pastor, and currently the Senior Pastor of the National Headquarters church in Indianapolis, IN. Bishop Townsend also served in positions such as: Presiding Elder, State Bishop, servant leader over the Trinity School of Enlightenment, Public Relations & Marketing Ministry, Foreign Missions and the National Evangelistic Ministry. In June of 2006, the Lord saw fit to elevate him, and under the leadership of Bishop Dr. Faye Moore, he was appointed and ordained as Chief Helper & Regional Vice President.

Bishop Townsend enjoyed over 49 years of marital bliss with his childhood sweetheart, Elder Mary Townsend, and they birthed and raised three beautiful children: Hoshea, Queen and John. Together, they enjoyed spending quality time with their loving grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bishop Lois Townsend, his sister Dubuann, and his brother Donald.

Bishop W. C. Townsend believed in the Word of God and the Bible-based Doctrine of the Church of the Living God and fully supported and followed the leadership of his church. He was highly respected and loved by all who knew him. Truly a great man lived among us.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Mary; his children: Hoshea, Sr. (Carisa), Queen (Cornelius) and John; his father: Deacon Charlie Townsend, Jr.; brothers: Josephus (Kimberly), Simon (Tracy), Silas, Shemiah (Shelly), Josiah (Leah), Jethro (Patricia); sisters: Phebe Smith, Junia Little, Palestine Green (Roy), Rebecca Barnett, Diane Townsend, Rhoda Chatman (William); grandchildren: Ceairra, Hoshea Jr., Allen, Jamyah, Elise, Haymaj, John, Jace, Nylah, Jacob, Diannah , J’meri, Decorean and Christian. He also leaves behind many other family members, the congregation he lovingly shepherded, and global members of the Church of the Living God.

A Pre-Home Going Celebration will be held Monday, December 27 from 4-8 PM at Church of the Living God, 7206 E. 38t St, Indianapolis.  If you are unable to attend, you may join virtually here.

His Home Going Celebration will be held Tuesday, December 28 at 11 AM at the church. If you are unable to attend, you may join virtually here.

Burial will military honors will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.