Donna Mae Townsend

Donna Mae Townsend
October 25, 1944 – October 10, 2025

A service to celebrate the life of Donna Mae Townsend, who lived a vibrant and meaningful 80 years, will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Joyful Noise Christian Fellowship, followed by a graveside service at Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park Cemetery.

Donna passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025.

She was born on October 25, 1944, in Lubbock, Texas, to Barney and Mildred Little Townsend Sr. Donna graduated from Tatum High School in 1962, later earning multiple degrees and certifications throughout her remarkable career in healthcare. She graduated from New Mexico Junior College in 1979, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of the Southwest in 1987, and completed her Family Nurse Practitioner certificate at the University of North Dakota in 1991. In 2002, she earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Samuel Merritt College.

As a nurse practitioner, Donna served communities across Amherst, Texas; Artesia, New Mexico; University Medical Center; PNS; and Community Health Systems of Lubbock. She believed in healing the whole person, not just physically as a nurse, but spiritually as a pastor. Her dual calling in medicine and ministry touched countless lives.

Donna lived boldly and unapologetically. She had a lifelong love for racing cars and motorcycles, refusing to compete only in the “Powder Puff” races—she insisted on racing alongside the men in more challenging events. She was fearless, compassionate, and fiercely protective of her family. Donna loved dogs, gave freely of herself to those in need, and always stood up for her children.

She married Gaylord Ellerman on November 13, 1999, and they shared many happy years before his passing in 2012.

Donna is survived by her son, Michael (Beckie) Kelley; her grandchildren, Claire Kelley, Ashley (Robert) Smith, and Zane Slocum; and her great-grandchild, Ellie Smith.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gaylord Ellerman; her parents, Barney and Mildred Townsend Sr.; and her siblings, Barney “Sonny” Townsend Jr., Daniel Townsend, Rajene Baker, and Wanda Gassaway.

In honor of her generous spirit and commitment to serving others, Donna requested that donations be made to Meals on Wheels in lieu of flowers.

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