Monique Henrietta-Zelia Dehnez Townsend, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend went to the Lord on Friday, March 17, 2017. She was surrounded by her devoted family and went peacefully. Monique was born February 17, 1931, in Warmierville, France , third child to Jean and Louisa Dehnez. She suffered through the horror of WW2 as a child and frequently told stories of poverty, want and survival. However, during the American occupation, she and her sister would sneak out to the American clubs where she fell in love with the big band sound and a certain handsome Army guy who became her husband and father to her first four children. Monique and her 6-mo old baby arrived in America in 1948, settling in Crenshaw, MS for 8 years before moving to Memphis, TN where she remained.

Monique was always nurturing and caring for others, especially her husband and children. Divorced from first husband, she met her dream man, married, had her fifth baby and enjoyed a happy life filled with family, friends, vacations and comfort.

Monique was preceded in death by her husband, Kelly Townsend, her parents and a sister. She leaves five children, Nicky Palugi(Mike), Gene Goodwin(Cyndi), Debra Sandefer, Jeff Goodwin(Traci) and Michelle Rose(Doug); twelve grandchildren, Wendy, Jennifer, Bryant, Britney, Niki, Dan, Tony, Matt, Jason, Justin, Isabella and Sophia; twelve great-children, Jody, Tyler, Jake, Luke, Ashley, Madison, Kaitlyn, Aiden, Brady, Makayla, Rebecca and Joshua. She will be sorely missed by all.

Monique wanted to be cremated with just a get-together at her home with family and friends to celebrate her wonderful life. Bonhuit, Maman.