Betty Jean Ponders

Betty Jean Ponders went home to be with the Lord November 30, 2017. She is survived by her daughter Sheila Garrison (Les), step-daughter Brenda Hancock (Tom) and Debbie Whitaker (Max), sister Patricia Brendle (Jerry), brothers Gary Brown (Eunice) and Michael Brown, granddaughter Leslie Laughrun (Jason), step-grandson Chris Hancock (Kristin), step-granddaughter Julie Haines (Eric), and great step-grandchildren Marissa, Alexis, Kendric and Makena Hancock, and Natalie and Sydney Corn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Ponders, sisters Katherine Ballard, Mary Elizabeth Hudson, Joann Chapman, Lucille Bassett and Elaine Riddle, and brothers Charles Robertson, Walter Brown and James Robertson. Betty was born December 23, 1933. She was a native of Asheville, a graduate of Lee H. Edwards High School and resided in South Asheville with her husband for 37 years. She retired from Magnavox in Arden, NC. During her golden years, Betty devoted much of her time to her daughter and granddaughter, shopping, traveling and enjoying life. She also enjoyed spending time going camping with her husband and close family members. She was also an outstanding southern cook who could whip up the best comfort food you’ve ever tasted. She enjoyed sharing recipes with her family and friends. The oldest of 12 brothers and sisters, Betty grew up helping raise some of her younger siblings. She was a strong woman who maintained her sharp sense of humor through her final days. Betty’s personality was larger than life and she was such a big presence in the lives of her daughter and granddaughter, who will deeply miss her. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 3 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with Pastor Tim Earwood officiating. Interment will be held at Shepherd Memorial Park. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00-2:00 PM on Sunday.