Pamma Townsend

Pamma was born in Webster County, Kentucky, and graduated from Midway College (now Midway University) in 1969 as a member of the first graduating class of nursing students. Upon graduation, she returned to Western Kentucky and began her nursing career.  Then, being the adventuresome type, she moved to San Francisco, CA and worked at the Langley-Porter Neuropsychiatric Hospital before returning to Kentucky.

Again, being adventuresome, Pamma moved to Lexington, KY to work at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, starting in the emergency department, then as a nurse clinician in pediatric oncology and cardio thoracic surgery.  Then the big move came when she moved to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia working at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital for three years.

Returning to Lexington and the University of Kentucky, Pamma later joining a private cardio-thoracic surgery practice.  During her 42-year nursing career, she presented multiple workshops on topics ranging from pediatric oncology to bone marrow transplantation.

Retiring in 2010, Pamma continued her love of humankind through volunteering at the Helping Through Him program at Southland Christian Church.  Her love of animals brought her the greatest joy as the “mother” of Lab mix Sidney, and Shih Tzus Tanner, Talbott, Simon, Sadie, Star and Ava, with her “girls” being with her until her passing.

Pamma is survived by her Lexington family: sister Sharron Townsend and brother-in-law Larry Bender, nephew Caleb Bender, niece and nephew-in-law Hannah and Corey Maple, as well as sisters-in-law Libby Bender and Jan Gulbis of Tulsa, OK.

Pamma’s Webster County family includes sister Connie Townsend and brother Steven Jones, along with nieces and nephews Darin Townsend, Heather Davis, Chad Townsend, Cathy Wix, Holly Nelson, Jarrod Jones and Jeff Jones. She is also survived by great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and a world of friends.

A memorial service will be held Monday, May 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church in Lexington, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.  A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, May 25 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Townsend Funeral Home in Dixon, KY.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Bluegrass Shih Tzu Rescue, PO Box 910276, Lexington, KY 40591.