Mary Lou Townsend Gieske, age 83, of Lawrenceburg, TN, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Southern TN Regional Health System in Lawrenceburg, TN. She was a retired case worker from the Tennessee Department of Employment Security and a dedicated member of The Welcome Wagon, Home Demonstration Club, and Immanuel Baptist Church. Mary Lou was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, William Gilmer and Sarah Lucille Thigpen Townsend, and her brother, Benjamin David Townsend. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Jakie Gieske, her two sons, Jay Gieske (Felicia) and Jo Jo Gieske (Vangie), her brother, J. W. “Joe” Townsend, her sister, Eula Mae Townsend Graham, and her four grandchildren, Jake D. Gieske (Becca), Lauran S. Gieske, Jerren Gieske, and Addisten Gieske.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 28, 2025, with interment to follow at Lawrence County Memorial Gardens in Lawrenceburg, TN. The family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Mary Lou’s kindness, love, and dedication to her family and community will be cherished and remembered always. May she rest in peace.