Elaine Townsend, 91, the widow of the founder of Wycliffe Bible Translators, died Saturday evening in Rock Hill, S.C., after a brief illness. Her health had been weak since suffering a stroke early last year.

Her husband, W. Cameron "Cam" Townsend, founded Wycliffe Bible Translators in 1942 and founded JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Radio Service) in 1948. Following his death in 1982, his wife continued his legacy, championing the cause of those who speak minority languages and pursuing the dream of seeing the Bible translated into every language, no matter how small the number of speakers.

"All Wycliffe staff mourn the loss of Elaine Townsend, 'Auntie Elaine,' to many," said Bob Creson, president of Wycliffe USA. "She and her husband, Uncle Cam, our founder, were outstanding examples of faith in God and commitment to the Bible-less peoples of the earth. Were she still with us, I know her message to us would be, 'Finish the task!' "

For her local and global community service, the state of North Carolina awarded Townsend the prestigious "Order of the Long Leaf Pine" in August 2000.

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