Towanda Lee Acey

Rev. Towanda Lee Acey was born in Harrisburg, PA, on August 12, 1948, the oldest daughter of Walter & Jean Acey. She graduated from William Penn High School in 1966 and ambitiously attended Harrisburg Area Community College. Raised in Mitchell Memorial United Methodist Church, Towanda naturally became employed at Neighborhood Center of UMC, where she remained for 18 years. Towanda coordinated annual black history programs which were open to the community. In 1993 the “Towanda Acey Black History Month Scholarship Award” was created in her honor to assist students heading to college. After marriage and the birth of her daughter Denise, Towanda decided to further her education. She attended Lincoln University (HBCU) and earned a master’s degree in Human Services. This opened the door to a job as Caseworker with Dauphin Social Services for Children & Youth. She also established herself as a licensed Human Service Consultant and conducted training sessions, for professionals in the field. Towanda enjoyed attending Christian conferences and revivals. She would often share how she “got saved” at a gospel revival service listening to Andre Crouch. She felt a strong calling on her life to preach and teach the “Word” and to minister to the people of God. For years she tried to silence this calling on her life; but she could no longer ignore it. She finally resigned from her job and downsized her life. After completing necessary coursework, she enrolled fulltime into Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC at the age of 56. As a single, African American woman, soft spoken, only 5 feet tall, she was determined to defeat all odds and become an ordained minister. In 2007 she earned a master’s degree in Divinity and was Ordained a Minister of the Susquehanna Conference UMC. One of her proudest moments was getting the opportunity to travel to Cape Town, South Africa to do mission work. She returned eager and ready to preach! She accepted a senior pastoral position at Rockville United Methodist Church, Harrisburg PA, while also serving as a Chaplain at Harrisburg Hospital. She was then transferred to First UMC and Jaggard UMC both in Altoona, PA until she retired due to illness in 2012. With a desire and need to be closer to her family she relocated to Atlanta under the care of her family. She fell in love instantly with Central United Methodist Church where she was known as Rev. Acey, and swiftly became a member. Always wearing a smile, and a kind loving spirit, she connected with everyone in a positive way, even while battling illness. Towanda loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and ministered to everyone! Although short in stature, she had a big loving personality. She always liked to look her best and would wear her high heel shoes, red lipstick, and nail polish with class and style! She led a busy life, however during her free time she enjoyed reading, talking with young people, singing, shopping, being a “foodie” and spending quality time with her grand-daughter Cameron. Her brilliant light shined for all to see. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by the many lives she touched. Please continue the legacy of supporting young people going to college by making a financial contribution to “Towanda Acey College Scholarship Fund” in her memory. For more information please contact Neighborhood Center of the United Methodist Church, 1801 N. Third St. Harrisburg, PA 17102, 717-233-6541 or neighborhoodcenterumc.org. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to our Harrisburg church family at Camp Curtin Memorial Mitchell United Methodist Church and to Central United Methodist Church in Atlanta GA. We acknowledge and thank family and friends for cards, flowers, prayers and words of encouragement. A special thank you to our caregiving providers: Helene Mills Adult Day Care, Community Care Services Program (CCSP), C & C Healthcare Services, Right at Home In Home Care & Assistance, Southern Regency Hospice Services, Haircare by Promised Gourdet, Massage Therapy by Dannaudra Jackson and long-term Caregiver Danielle Tyson.