Betty Lou Fraley Townsend, 79, of Panama City, FL, passed away on July 24, 2025 after a long illness. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Amy Fraley, a sister, Delores (Bobby) Martin, a brother, Fred Fraley, a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Townsend, paternal grandparents, Jim and Rhoda Fraley, maternal grandparents, Salathiel and Florence Cook, and several nieces and nephews.  Betty is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dennis L. Townsend, two sons, David L. (Melissa) Townsend, Donald L. (Angel) Townsend, grandchildren, Dylan L. Townsend, Trinity Lei Townsend, Chase Townsend (Panama City, FL), Kristina Wagner (Richmond, VA), Kaiya Baker (USAF Hawaii), step-grandchild, Josh York and great grandchildren, Robert Riddett and Juliette Baker, a sister, Barbara Mauldin (Lynn Haven, FL) and a sister-in-law, Tennie Sue Fraley (Fort Gay, WV).

Betty graduated from Fort Gay High School, worked as a civilian for the US Army and Navy and retired from the Navy in 1993 as a management analyst.  Betty was protestant by faith. She loved to sing and was a member of Sweet Adelines INTL and a local Barbershop chorus, Harmony Shores, for many years.  Betty was a kind and loving person, and her family meant everything to her. She was an excellent cook and before her illness was an avid lover of Elvis Presley and reading books.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 2 p.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Betty's name to Emerald Coast Hospice, 401 W. 23rd St, Suite C, Panama City, FL 32405