Reverend Marvin J. Ponder

WEAVERVILLE—Rev. Marvin J. Ponder, age 81, of Palmer Ford Road died Friday, September 25, 2009. Rev. Ponder was born December 28, 1927, in Buncombe County where he had lived all of his life. He was pastor of several churches in Buncombe and Madison Counties and currently pastor of Union Valley Freewill Baptist Church where he has served for the last 25 years. Rev. Ponder was a son of the late Earl and Della Revis Ponder and was also preceded in death by his son, Johnny Ponder; brothers, Leonard, Harlon, Clayton and Raymond Ponder; and sister, Betty Rice. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Edna Edwards Ponder; daughters; Marilyn Shelton and husband Ronald of Marshall, Rhonda Cantrell and husband Marty of Weaverville; son, Alvin Ponder and wife Tammy of Weaverville; sisters, June Briggs and husband Frank of Weaverville, Pauline Riddle and husband Hayes of Chuckey, TN; brother, Dennis Ponder and wife Jane of Weaverville; seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 28, 2009, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, with Revs. Jerry Jarvis, Weldon Ramsey and grandson, Tony Shelton officiating. Burial will be in West Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 4:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. At other times friends are welcome at residence. Flowers are acceptable and appreciated. A memorial tribute video will be available Sunday at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com under Mr. Ponder's obituary.