Vessie Townsend was born on January 27, 1959, to the later Aaron and Alice Mae Townsend. He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and a graduate of Ruleville Central High School.

Vessie was proceeded in death by his parents and siblings Pearlie James, Linda Shaw, Louise Redmond, Lou Ella Jefferson, Margie Carter, Virgie Lee Smith, Emma Swan, Mary Lou Townsend, Carrie Mae Townsend, Oscar Johnson, Fred Lee Kirkwood, Humphrey Townsend, Alexander Townsend, J.P. Townsend & Jim Aaron Townsend.

He leaves to cherish his memories three daughters: Valerie Jenkins, Jalessa Townsend, and Zahara Townsend; one son, Johnathan Rome; nine grandchildren; one sister, Deloris Townsend, one brother, Marvin Townsend; two brothers-in-law: Willie Frank James and Arthur Lee Shaw, a special brother-in-law and a special friend, Ruth Townsend and host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.