Frances Fischer Townsend, 86, of Colonial Heights, passed away Thursday, July 26, 2012 in Southside Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Townsend was the daughter of the late Herbert Sr. and Lillian Fischer, and the widow of Charles S. Townsend. Survivors include a son, James Mercer of South Carolina; step-son, John Townsend of Louisiana; numerous grandchildren; great grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson; one sister, Anne Fulford of Williamsburg. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 1, 2012 in Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg with the Reverend Fred Adkins officiating.