Audie Mae “Cotton” Warford Townsend, age 85, of Benton, Arkansas, passed from this life peacefully on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. She was born December 17, 1940, in Benton, Arkansas to Aud Warford and Dovie Browning Warford. She was of the Baptist faith. 

She married Weldon “Dean” Townsend, on August 28, 1959, and they shared 34 years together until his death in 1992. She never remarried, saying, “Once you’ve had the best …” 

She loved camping with her family and friends and enjoyed reading and sewing in her spare time. 

She went to work at Benton Savings and Loan, which later became Union Bank. She worked there for 30 plus years before finally retiring to spend more time with her family. She absolutely loved being a grandmother and, later, a great-grandmother. Her grandchildren lovingly called her “Moga.” 

Everyone in her family at one time or another has been told “Kiss my Grits”, which was her favorite saying. Her greatest blessing in life was her family. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a grandson Matt Johnson, brothers Roy Warford and Lloyd Warford. 

She has left behind to cherish her memory a daughter, Audena (Jerry) Johnson, a son, William (JoDee) Townsend, granddaughters, Deana Johnson and Megan (Josh) Davis and grandson, Riley Townsend; and four great-grandsons, Brennan, Beckham, Brooks, and Beaux Davis all of Benton. Sister Roma Carden, her best friend since ninth grade, Frances McNeil, as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends. 

Pallbearers will be William Townsend, Jerry Johnson, Mark McNeil, Michael McNeil, Josh McNeil, and Wade McNeil. Honorary Pallbearers are Josh Davis, Riley Townsend, Brennan Davis, Beckham Davis, Brooks Davis, and Beaux Davis. 

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29 at Ashby Funeral Home. Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30 at Ashby Funeral Home with Kevin Minyard officiating. Burial is to follow at Ten Mile Cemetery. 

Audie’s legacy lives on in the family she adored, the memories she created and the love she shared with so many. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.