Roxanne “Roxy” Ponder

Roxanne Ponder, affectionately known to close family and friends as “Roxy”, went home to be with Lord on Monday, August 12, 2019. She was the fourth child born to Robert And Mary Smith on June 21, 1958 in Columbus, Ohio.

Roxanne graduated from South High School in 1976. She was joined in holy matrimony to Leonard Ponder on October 25, 1979. This union was blessed with two beautiful and lovely children, Leonard II and April. Roxanne worked for Nationwide Insurance Company for over 10 years. After, she worked several years in the medical field until 2007. She was employed by Ohio Operating Engineers until 2016, when she became disabled. At her workplaces, Roxanne created lasting friendships with her coworkers.
Roxanne received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost at the young age of 13 at Rehoboth Temple Church of Christ during one of the Young People’s Choir rehearsals. Afterwards, she jokingly stated, “I messed around and got the Holy Ghost!” Roxanne later joined in fellowship with the Little Rock Church of Christ, Columbus, Ohio in the early 1980’s under the leadership of the late Bishop Joseph Pannell and current pastor, Elder Blair Burke, Sr. As president of the Missionary Department, Roxanne exemplified excellent servant leadership during her extensive tenure up until the time of her transition. Moreover, she was planning the end of the year activities for the Women’s Ministry while she was hospitalized. She was an excellent planner for the Women’s organization and had a passion for the youth department. Roxanne was the official talented church announcer who kept us entertained during each announcement session.

Roxanne enjoyed singing at every opportunity. She would not hesitate to belt out joyful songs from her seat, taking the congregation to a higher level of worship. She was a faithful member of the Little Rock Ensemble, Gospel Choir, Sunday School, ABYPU, Baptismal Team, Hospitality Committee, Outreach Team and the Missionary Department. She was a member of the Alvis Moore & the New Life Gospel Singers. She was also a member of the Arthur Gray and High Praise Company, both in Columbus, Ohio.
Roxanne had the spirit of an Angel. She was very giving, loving, encouraging, and she always expressed how she felt. Roxanne never met a stranger, for she was very personable and NEVER had bad word to say about anyone. She enjoyed taking time with the senior citizens as she encouraged them on so many levels.

Roxanne was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Smith and brother Robert “Ricky” Smith.

Roxanne leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted husband, Leonard; children Leonard (Lindsay) Ponder, April Lynn Ponder all of Columbus, Ohio; four loving grandchildren, Brooklyn and Bryce Ponder, Aidan and Marcus Cooley; sisters, Barbara Revels of Dubai, UAE, Betty (Wesley) Robinson, Rhonda (Kevin) Pickens and one brother, Kenneth Smith all of Columbus, Ohio; six god-children, Jalen and Ralen Cleveland, Courtney Martin, Jessica Cornute, Markus and Ha’dijah Cole and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, church family and friends. Close and special friends include Constance Burke ( First Lady LRCOC), and Gwen “Sissy” Scales.

Visitation 6:00 PM and Funeral Service 7:00 PM Friday, August 16, 2019 at Rehoboth Temple, 1111 E. Long Street.

Interment Saturday, August 17, 2019 10:00 AM at Eastlawn Cemetery.