Phyllis Lynne Townsend

Phyllis Lynne Bayer Townsend, 76, entered the gates of Heaven on Friday, May 8, 2026 and is rejoicing in God's promise of eternal life. Celebration of Life to be held Friday May, 15, 2026 with Senior Pastor, Kyland Dobbins officiating. She will be laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery, Cisco, TX. This day marks special meaning as it is Rex and Phyllis' 55th Wedding Anniversary, their love is never ending.

Born in Victoria, Texas to Thomas Wayne Bayer and Gladys Aleene Scott Bayer on August 30, 1949, with Jesus in her heart, Phyllis was a brilliant and determined young woman ready to make her mark on the world. And THAT she did!

While attending high school in Baytown, TX, she took a leadership role in the Future Teachers of American and immediately knew her calling was to be a teacher with the purpose of helping others develop into their full potential. In May 1971, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, TX majoring in Elementary Education and English. It was at that same time she took ownership of the State of Texas Teacher Certificate and went full speed ahead becoming an amazing teacher and mentor with an illustrious rewarding career in teaching and education administration.

Phyllis met the love of her life when friends set her up on a blind date with a stunning Mr. Rex Leon Townsend. After that magical date in Austin, TX, Rex and Phyllis were destined to have a lifetime together. They married on May, 15, 1971 in Austin and have shared 55 years of pure love, respect and companionship that most only dream of. Bright future goals and careers moved them to Burleson, TX where together they placed roots in their home church, filled their home with joy and laughter of loved ones and established themselves as respected community leaders.

After a year of teaching 6th grade in Austin, TX, Phyllis found her "home" when she began her career with Crowley ISD in 1972. It was at H. F. Stevens Middle School where she began forging lifelong friendships and making real impact to all of her students. She taught English, Reading, Language Arts, Texas History, Study Skills and held positions as Department Chair. As her professional strengths leaned toward education administration, she began taking interest in helping peers become the best teacher they can be. She earned a Master Degree in Education Administration from Tarleton State University in August of 1984. Additionally, she became certified as an instructor at the Tarleton State University Institute for Instructional Leaders designed to improve education competencies of fellow educators. In 1985, Phyllis took her talent to Everman ISD where she held the position of Director, Human Resources. Just like at Crowley ISD, she made her imprint in Everman ISD. The Roy Johnson STEM Academy is home to the Phyllis Townsend Theatre, named in her honor. Phyllis has held leadership positions in numerous professional educational organizations such as Phi Delta Kappa, Delta Kappa Gamma, Honor Society for Women Educators, Texas State Teacher Association. After retirement in 2012, Phyllis continued to mentor students in reading, writing and leadership skills. She also took an active role in teaching Sunday School at the First United Methodist Church, Burleson.

Those closest to Phyllis fondly call her and she proudly answered to: Love of My Life, Gram, Bestie, Mama T, Aunt, Mrs. T, just to name a few, as she was a classy, elegant, generous, multi-talented, fun loving woman of faith with the ability to recognize only the best of others. Her heart was the size of Texas, wide open to love BIG and to be loved in return, lend an ear, give guidance, encouragement to step outside of one's comfort zone to try new things and to believe in yourself. She had a special place in her heart for all "her" children...AKA her students. She was genuinely proud of each student's accomplishments and was their loudest cheerleader.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, many family and friends. Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband; Rex Townsend, daughter and family in love; Helen Darilek and husband Darby and their children Cece, Colter and Camille, nieces and nephews; Brenda Hollis and husband Kenny, Patty Dent and husband Lee, Rex Blanding and wife Beverly, Athena Blanding, Leo Blanding and wife Sheila, Sheila Hilburn and husband Wes, Cindy Allen and husband Jason, 12 great nieces and nephews; many dear friends that are 'framily', colleagues and countless students that felt her impact. Phyllis is dearly loved by many and will be missed. Until we meet again!

In lieu of flowers or memorials

Phyllis Townsend Memorial Scholarship Fund

QR codes for Venmo and Zelle are available on facebook or checks can be mailed to

Phyllis Townsend Memorial Scholarship Fund

430 Lincoln Oaks Dr

Burleson, Tx 76028