Obituary of Naomi K Townes

Naomi Omega Kelly Townes was born on January 10, 1935 in Trenton, NJ, to the late Frederick, Sr. and Ada Kelly.  On Tuesday, June 6, 2017, Naomi was called home to forever be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Naomi married Thomas J. Townes of Cinnaminson on September 26, 1959.  Daughters Michelle and Natalie were born into this happy union which lasted for 42 years until Thomas’ passing in 2002.

Naomi was a proud graduate of Palmyra High School where she played the drums in the Drum and Bugle Corps. After graduating from PHS, Naomi earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Cheyney State College.  She then spent the next 40 years educating youth in Camden, Riverton, and Cinnaminson before retiring from Delran Middle School.

Naomi loved the Lord. She was an active member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Riverton, NJ. She served as Director of the Camden-Trenton District Board of Christian Education, Y.P.D. Director, member and former president of the Alice Taylor Missionary Society, member of the Stewardess Board, and Sunday School superintendent and teacher. 

Naomi was always on the go, whether it be to the mall, Florida, or on a cruise to Alaska.  In fact, her family nickname was the Road Runner. 

Naomi was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Townes; siblings Jacqueline Southerland; Frederick, Jr., William, Charles, and S. Lawrence Kelly.

Left behind to cherish her memories are her sister, Valeria K. Dorsey; daughters, Michelle (Andrew, Sr.) Lofton, Natalie (Kevin) Tucker; five grandchildren: Andrew “AJ” Lofton, Jr., Lauren Lofton, Andre Tucker, Thomas Lofton, and Jamie Tucker; godson, Reginald Dorsey; goddaughter, Sandra Merlino; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.