Jeffie Lee Townsell Jr.

Jeffie Lee Townsell, Jr., Leader, Educator, Historian, Father, Brother, Son and Husband – (Age 63) December 29, 1954 to December 5, 2018. Jeff Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep in Indio, California.

Jeff Jr was one of seven children born to Jeffie Townsell, Sr and Carrie (Pittman) Townsell. Jeff Jr was raised in Black Springs, NV and graduated from Hug High in 1972. He enlisted in the Marines shortly after graduation, serving both at Camp Pendleton, San Diego and Hawaii. After completing his tour of duty, he met and married Wilma Fells. Together they had two daughters, Antonette and Adhana. Jeff experienced health problems that started in his late twenties, but his unwavering spirit, faith in God, and close friendships helped sustain him.

From his challenges he decided to pursue education to transform his life. He enrolled himself in National University, graduating with a BA and MS in Educational Psychology, graduating Magnum Cum Laude. During his studies he met and married Karen Maxwell and they had a beautifully, spirited daughter Tarah Lee. He prided himself in being a dedicated father to his girls, instilling in them the value of education.

His life will be remembered by the impact he has made to others by strategizing for their success through education. During his time as a counselor, he transformed the lives of students at Reid Continuation High School in Long Beach, CA where helped students take advantage of their second chance at education. He also helped first generation college students through the Upward Bound and MESA Programs. During this time, he met his current wife Gioconda Miller. He and Gioconda moved to Riverside County where he worked as a Financial Aid Counselor and helped students learn about scholarships, grants and loans to help finance their education. He also helped them plan for life beyond the community college, transferring to four year universities and beyond. He retired from the Riverside Community College System as a Financial Aid Counselor after over 20 years.

He had a passion for geneology and will also be remembered as the family historian. Jeff and his wife, Gioconda, coordinated the research of the Townsell family history and made many family legacy presentations.

He was a constant educator and mentor. He is survived by his wife and companion, Gioconda Miller, his parents Jeffie Townsell, Sr and Carrie Fitz, his children Antonette Ligons, Adhana McCarthy, Tarah Townsell, Arian Rock and Adrienne Rock and his grandchildren, Nate Townsell, Caitlin McCarthy, Alisa Ligons, Ethan Ligons, Prince Thomas and Lenox McCarthy.

Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 18 at 1 p.m. at Evans-Brown Mortuary at 27010 Encanto Drive, Sun City, CA. Flowers can be sent to Evan-Brown Mortuary.

For more information or the ability to leave a message of condolences to the family go to the website https://www.evans-brownmortuary.com/tributes/Jeffie-TownsellJr .

The Journey of My Life

It was beautiful as long as it lasted, the journey of my life.
I have no regrets whatsoever
save the pain I’ll leave behind.
Those dear hearts who love and care …
and the strings pulling at the heart and soul …
The strong arms that held me up
when my own strength let me down.
At every turning of my life I came across good friends,
friends who stood by me
even when time raced by me.
Farewell, farewell my friend.
I smile and bid you goodbye.
No, shed no tears for I need them not.
All I need is your smile.
If you feel sad do think of me for that’s what I’ll like.
When you live in the hearts of those you love
remember then, you never die.

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