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.
We can’t begin to imagine what you are feeling, but please let us share our heartfelt condolences. Our father of tender mercies as himself experience the loss of a loved one, pour out your heart to him in prayer concerning your personal grief . Thoughts of peace.
Our heartfelt condolence Leonard we were blessed to have seen and spoke with Roxy prior to her passing hold onto the Lord he will ease your pain and give you solace.
Bro Leonard and family, may the God of our Salvation, grant you peace and comfort during this difficult season.
Our condolences, prayers and love are extended to you.
Larry and Beverly Henderson
I feel truly blessed to have known know kinder person in childhood. And heaven is jumping for joy, so just like she told me once before. Its no need in crying because mother is well.
Roxy was a ray of sunshine in the OOE office. So very sorry for your loss, but I have no doubt she is singing and dancing with the angels now!
My condolences to you Leonard and the family. May God give you peace and comfort.
Roxanne was a breath of fresh air with her warm smile and beautiful personality. She always greeted you with a hug. I send my condolences to the Ponder family. She will be missed.
April dear Love
You have our hearts prayers and love. Words cannot express our love for you. Holding you all in Prayer.
Uncle Leonard and my cousins April and Leonard. So sorry to hear about aunt Roxanne. She was always so nice to me and filled the room with joy. Love you all and you are in my prayers.
As I reflect on this special sister in Christ. It can be said that when Roxanne put on the whole armor of God she was ready for warfare. She fought a good fight and she finished her course. Leonard and family know our condolences and prayers are with the family.
Johnnie and Cloria Croom
We will never be the same. Roxanne left an indelible imprint on my life. We had many laughs as sisters-in-law. She had the most beautiful and anointed voice! I never heard Roxanne sing without feeling the presence of God.
My prayers atte with you all in this hour of loss. I pray God’s comfort to you. Lovingly submitted.
She was an amazing person that always brought a smile to my face. She will be missed.
Roxanne was a very special person may God keep his loving arms around you and comfort you in your hour of need. He will never leave you .
I am just hearing of your loss. Know that my prayers are with you and the family. Above all, God is there to strength and comfort you. Much love and rest.
The Beaver Family
To the ponder family i am sorry about your loss and i send my Condolences to you Deacon Ponder and to your family and friends………may tye lird strengthand you and keep you at this time of need….Much love and strength to you all
To the ponder family i am sorry about your loss and i send my Condolences to you Deacon Ponder and to your family and friends………may the Lord strengthand you and keep you at this time of need….Much love and strength to you all
Mr. Leonard and family so sorry for your loss Praying for your strength& comfort. Ms. Roxanne. was a beautiful person inside and out. She was always encouraging to me and I loved those grand kids just know that you all are in my prayers. Love and Prayers
Sorry for the loss of my friend Roxanne she was just like a sister we grew up together on Forest St. Though we didn’t see each other she was a sister to the Lofton girl’s. Fly high our beautify angle.you will always be in our hearts.
My prayers are with and for you and your family may God’s love, peace, comfort and healing be upon you all❤
Cynthia P Carr and family ❤
Ponder family, please accept my sincere condolence on the passing of Roxy. I know that she is in a much better place with a complete and whole body. I met Roxy when she worked at Children’s services and we instantly clicked. I could see GOD’s Love all over her. Rest assure that all is well. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Isaiah 57:2
“He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.”
We love and miss you. Praying that you and your family find peace and strength through the Lord. Amen.
Sending love and prayers to the Ponder family. I pray God gives you peace that passes all understanding. Joy cometh in the morning ❤️
I will always remember Roxanne’s friendly smile and sweet spirit. And her singing. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. May God give you peace that surpasses all understanding.
The South High School Alumni Association and its Board of Directors want to express our sympathy and send condolences at the death of your loved one. Our entire South High School family is diminished by her passing.
Ponder and Smith families, sincere condolences in the passing of Roxanne, grew up in the neighborhood and went to school with my older siblings and myself. Roxanne always smiling and laughing such a sweet person. May Gods and Grace and Mercy comfort you all in the days to come. God Bless
To Leonard and the Ponder Family and the LRCOC Family,
You Have Our Condolences And You Are In Our Humble Prayers.
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The Slide Show is wonderful and portrays a very nice celebration of Sister Ponder’s Life.
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-Trent & Cora Clark
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