Uncrowned Community Builders

Rhoda Cornelius Davis Townsend was born in Vincent, Arkansas on March 29, 1902, to Fanny and Thomas Davis.

Her family moved to Wynne, Arkansas in 1912. Rhoda became a Christian at the age of twelve, and was baptized by Dr. W.F. Lovelace at the First Baptist Church. She joined the Junior Choir and was Secretary of the Sunday School.

In 1922, she graduated from Wynne Normal High School. On June 27 of that same year she married Welton Townsend and they moved to Chicago, Illinois. While in Chicago she joined the Pilgrim Baptist Church under the pastorate of S.E.J. Watson.

In 1923, she came to Buffalo and joined the Michigan Avenue Baptist Church, then under the leadership of Dr. J. Edward Nash. She served as president of the Missionary Society and organized the Golden Deeds Club in 1934. She sang in the Choir and was one of three women appointed to the Trustee Board by Dr. Nash in 1935. She served as secretary of the Trustee Board serving three chairmen: Edward Howard, Mason Alexander, and John Harris. She was a faithful member of the Sunday School and served as Secretary, Superintendent, and Teacher of the Women's Class. Mrs. Townsend was a founding member of the Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Club. In addition, she served as President of the Civic Adoration of Women's Clubs, Buffalo Region for eight years. She was a member of the Lit-Mus Study Club beginning in 1928 and served as President, Secretary, and Treasurer. She was also a member of the Book Lover's Club since 1929, serving as President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Mrs. Townsend died on October 18, 1982 after a long illness.