Barbara Jean (Binghamd) Townsend

Barbara (Bobbie) Bingham Townsend, 88, died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on March 11, 2026.

A lifelong resident of Watauga County, Bobbie was born in the Vilas community to a large, loving family of 11 brothers and sisters. Bobbie married the love of her life, Ted Townsend, in 1955. Bobbie and Ted recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary just before Christmas in 2025. Bobbie and Ted loved to travel, especially after they both retired from Appalachian State University. Bobbie was always concerned with how others felt and she had a gift for making sure that everyone around her felt loved and included. She and Ted adopted numerous App State students through their church over the years providing mentorship and a home away from home. Bobbie was the quintessential hostess and her beautiful home was the site of countless family dinners and celebrations for family, friends and church family over the years. The last three months of Bobbie's life was a testament to a life well lived as her home was constantly filled with family and friends who cared for and made final, special memories with her.

Bobbie is survived by her husband, Ted Townsend, a daughter, Kathy Townsend Scroggs and son-in-law, Eddie Scroggs, and one granddaughter, Kelly Scroggs Jones. She is also survived by one sister, Mary Jo Pritchard, and two brothers, Dwight Bingham and Danny Bingham, as well as a large number of nieces and nephews. Bobbie is preceded in death by her parents, McCoy and Kenova Morrell Bingham, an infant son, Thomas Townsend, granddaughter, Kristi Scroggs, and numerous brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Our sadness at her loss is tempered by the knowledge that she is rejoicing in heaven with the Lord and celebrating with beloved family that passed on before her.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Amorem Hospice, especially Allie, Thea, Evelyn and Tina.

Services for Barbara Townsend will be conducted Sunday March 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Perkinsville Baptist Church officiated by Pastor Seth Norris and Pastor Toby Oliver. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until3:00 PM prior to services. Graveside services will follow at White Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made to www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Townsend family.

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