Natha Kidd Townsend

Natha Kidd Townsend, 78, of Abilene, went peacefully home to be with our Lord on Wednesday, April 4, 2012. Natha, who had a lengthy journey living with Alzheimer's, is now bathed in God's glory, once again knowing all those she loved and those who loved her. Visitation will be from 4 -6 PM on Saturday, April 7 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, April 9 at Southwest Park Baptist Church, 2901 South 20th St., with Rev. Mike Woodard and Rev. Price Mathieson officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Gap Cemetery on Hwy.83/84. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home. Natha Delle Griffin was born in Ovalo, Texas to Tonnie and Gillie Griffin on March 14, 1934. After brother Royce was born, the family eventually moved to Abilene, where she graduated from Abilene High School in 1952. During her school years, Natha made lifelong friends and began her employment career working at Luby's cafeteria in downtown Abilene. She married Charles C. Kidd on April 8, 1955. Natha continued working, first at Sun Electric and then Citizens National Bank, until she became a stay at home mom to her three children. Natha resumed her career once her youngest daughter entered school, going to work for Abilene Independent School District as the secretary at Alta Vista Elementary School. Natha served 33 years in the school system, with 26 years of service as the Counselor's Secretary at Cooper High School. Thousands of students who passed through the halls of CHS knew Mrs. Kidd, with her warm smile and serving spirit. Natha loved people and loved to talk. A shopping trip or restaurant meal often took extra time because she would always run into a friend or a former student and take time to chat. One of Natha's greatest joys was when she changed her name to Nana, with the arrival of her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. After 39 years of marriage filled with memories, experiences, family and friends, Charles passed away in 1994. Natha kept busy with activities and trips with family and friends. She retired in 1999 from AISD. She so enjoyed the unique birthday celebrations she and her high school girlfriends planned for one another each year. She also enjoyed the family meals to celebrate all kinds of occasions - these had moved from Natha's house to the homes of her children. Natha married TJ Townsend on October 21, 2003. Natha and TJ enjoyed spending time seeing the countryside, taking long drives to look at the wildflowers and the varied terrains of Texas. TJ blessed Natha with companionship and love. TJ further blessed Natha and her family by being the steady, watchful and dedicated caregiver at her side during her journey these final years. Natha was a member of Southwest Park Baptist Church, the American Business Women's Association and the Retired Teachers/Staff of CHS. Natha was preceded in death by her parents, Tonnie and Gillie Griffin; her infant son, Lesley C. Kidd; and her husband, Charles C. Kidd. Natha is survived by her three children: son Ronnie C. Kidd and his wife, Sheila; daughter Rebecca (Becky) Michalek and her husband, Gary; daughter Resa Kidd Reedy and her husband, Randall; as well as her husband TJ, and his family. In addition, Natha is survived by her brother Royce T. Griffin and his wife, Pat; sister-in-law Jean Kidd Davis; grandchildren Chase Michalek, Chelsea Michalek, Cole Michalek, Riley Kidd, Kirby Kidd, Kristina and Ira Akers, Kara Reedy and RJ Reedy; great-grandchild Ellie Akers; nephews Rick Griffin, Greg Griffin and Steve Davis; and her many extended family members and friends whose lives she touched and blessed. Pallbearers will be Natha's grandsons and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Food Bank of West Central Texas, Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center, Hospice of the Big Country or the donor's charity of choice. Natha's family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Lynn Robinson, the staff at Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center and the staff at Hospice of the Big Country. May the angels welcome you to Paradise. May the martyrs greet you on your way. May you see the face of the Lord this day. Alleluia, Alleluia.