Barbara "Barbie" Louise Brashear Townsend (57) of Shreveport went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on February 5, 2020.

Visitation for Barbara will be at 10 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 8, in the parlor of First Baptist Church Shreveport, followed by a service led by Rev. Ronney Joe Webb in Frost Chapel at 11 a.m., and graveside service at Forest Park Cemetery.

Born August 6, 1962 in Ruston, Louisiana, Barbara and her sister Renae grew up in Jonesboro, Louisiana. Barbara attended Cedar Creek High School in Ruston, graduating in 1980, and attended Louisiana Tech University (GO BULLDOGS!), graduating with a degree in marketing in 1984. She was an active member of Union Board, pageant panels, concerts, and also worked at the Ruston airport. She moved to Shreveport, Louisiana after college and worked for Lieberman Companies. Barbara met her husband, Harry Townsend, in 1992, and they were married on July 3, 1993 in Gilliam, Louisiana. Barbara and Harry raised two children, Leslie and Chance, in Shreveport. Barbara loved participating in their schools and extracurricular activities, including yearbook staff, PTA, and supported various sports and the arts in which her children were involved. She attended every game, performance, and meeting for: soccer, track, cross-country, swim, gymnastics, t-ball, Boy Scouts, dance, opera, theatre, voice lessons, piano lessons, and outside art classes.

Outside of her children's activities, Barbara was a part of an investment club, in-home clothing shows, assisted Harry in Shreveport Kiwanis Club activities, and was a member of First Baptist Church Shreveport. She loved writing, drawing and painting, cooking, and rocking out to the classics (you'll never find a bigger fan of Elton John and Duran Duran). She loved her pets as much as her kids, especially her cats. Barbara loved throwing elaborate parties and attending stylish events, like the theatre and balls. She loved learning, even though there was not much else left for her to learn; she was a trivia buff and loved traveling. Barbara loved spending her time making crafts at Arts on Fire, attending festivals, celebrating Mardi Gras, shopping, and going out to dinner – all with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William "Billy" and Mable Brashear, and her grandparents.

She is survived by her husband, Harry Knox Townsend; her two children, Leslie Meredith Townsend (22), currently living in Ruston, Louisiana, and Chancellor Sinclair Townsend (20), currently attending Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge; sister, Carol Renae Brummett and husband Don of Shreveport; and two nieces, Robin Elizabeth of Shreveport and Karen Aubrey of New Orleans. She is also survived by numerous cousins and beloved friends.

The Townsend family would like to extend their gratitude to all nurses, hospital staff, and caregivers for their service in Barbara's time of need. Thank you to everyone for your constant support and love given during this difficult time. The family would also like to extend their thanks to the First Baptist Church family for their constant prayers and for a beautiful service.