Known to her family as "Granny", Vernell (Huffman) Bowling / Townsend, age 93, passed away in the early hours of April 7th, 2024 after battling dementia for many years. Vernell was born in 1930 in Calhoun County, Mississippi. She grew up surrounded by a large family that included five other siblings and many aunts and uncles. She married Jessie James Bowling in the summer of 1946 and remained with him until Jessie passed away in 1972. A few years after Jessie's death, she married Travis Wayne Townsend. Vernell was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She always put her family's needs ahead of her own needs. She would give you her last dollar if you needed it. She was always happy and cheerful, and the inspiration of our family. Our shining light. We will miss her dearly.

Mother, we know we can't have you but we're happy knowing that you are now in heaven with Jasper, and we know how happy you must be now. Goodbye to the most wonderful mother and grandmother in the entire world! We love you.

Vernell is survived by: Nell Barnett (daughter), Preston Bowling (son) and wife Carol, Jimmie Bowling (son) and wife Brenda, David Townsend (stepson), Sandy Vines (stepdaughter) and husband Lee, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren.

Vernell is preceded in death by: Jessie James Bowling (husband), Travis Wayne Townsend (husband), James Jasper Bowling (son), Michael Elton Bowling (son), Little James Bowling (son), Johnny Davis Barnett (son-in-law), and Tony Davis Barnett (grandson).

Visitation for those who would like to say their last goodbye to Vernell will be held Saturday, 13th of April from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Williams & Lord Funeral Home in Ruleville. Services will be held at the funeral home at 1:00 PM and following at the burial site in Drew Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Brett Bowling, Bryce Bowling, Brian Spurlock, Cody Spurlock, Jonathan Barnett, and Payton Barnett.