Earnest L. Towns

The Life of Earnest L. Towns

Earnest L. Towns entered into eternal rest on July 31, 2026 at Riverside Hospital, Newport News, Virginia. He was one of sixteen siblings. He was a man with determination and because of it, he conditioned himself to work hard and to achieve a good life for his family. He was a devoted husband and a good father and a good provider for his family.

Earnest and Shirley were married for sixty-two years. They did what they vowed until death do us part. He was a good spirited and kind man, quiet in many ways. To know him was to love him. He had a talent that many experienced, for he loved to sing and he played the guitar. He was a member of the Golden Keys of Smithfield, Virginia for many years. He is a member of Sandy Mount Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. James Cozart, III and a member of the male chorus.

He worked for Smithfield Packing Company and Gwaltney. Afterwards, he was hired at Newport News Shipyard. He worked there until he retired.

He was preceded in death by his parents Matthew and Josephine Townes; seven brothers John Arthur, Richard, Matthew, Raymond, Larry, James and Rufus; six sisters Sarah, Margaret, Otelia, Josephine, Elizabeth and Dora.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Shirley; three sons Earnest Darnell (Diane), Marlon (Everlene) and Lorne; one daughter Vonda Thomas; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; a brother Eddie Towns (Mildred) of Smithfield, Virginia; a sister Rosa L. Townes of Windsor, Virginia; a sister-in-law Mother Marion Walker of Windsor, Virginia and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

I End with the Poem

I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. I feel no pain or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me. Rejoice in God. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort, without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolutely unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you. For an interval somewhere very near just around the corner. All is well. To my wife Shirley

We will miss you Earnest and you will not be forgotten.

Sorrowfully submitted ~ The Family

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026 viewing will take place from 3-5pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11am on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Sandy Mt. Baptist Church, Smithfield. Interment will follow in the Carver Memorial Cemetery, Suffolk. Please keep the Towns family in your prayers.