Bettye Victoria (Ponder) Weems has been the “Angel” of the Ponder-Stokes Family for all of my 64 years and more. An empath with an enormous ability to care for others especially her siblings. Bettye has consistently made time to be at the side of  ailing family and always ready to help when needed. It is a great comfort to the family knowing that she is here.

That is why I was so touched, not surprised but very touched when she told me that she was with Jimmie the day before his death. I can tell from her voice that she was still mourning the loss of her little brother. She said that Jimmie told her that he was in the hospital because his chest was hurting. The doctors, after examining him told him that he had already had a heart attack. The doctors wanted Jimmie to stay in the hospital but he felt he would be more comfortable at home.

As Bettye and Jimmie completed their visit he acknowledged to her that this may be their last time visiting. He was prepared for that eventuality; I felt better knowing that he was woke and controlling his destiny. Jimmy died in his sleep over night. We will love and miss him always.

I thank our ancestors for producing such an angel as Bettye. I want to lift her up to the family. I’m so glad that she was there to usher our brother Jimmie on his journey home. Ase’

Jimmie Eddie Lee Ponder
September 6, 1949 – December 26, 2019

Jimmie has transitioned home to take his place amongst family that have journeyed home before him. His Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 8th 2020 at 11:00 am

R. J. Gainous Funeral Home Chapel
804 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL

Hallelujah to our ancestors as he now moves freely amongst them.

Repast (will follow the service):
The Golden Coral
907 Taylor Road, Port Orange, FL

Condolences to our family, the Ponder-Stokes Family.  We have lost a star that at times, shone so brightly it would light up the evening.

JIMMIE was born in Sylvania, GA to the late Capus and Elnora (Knight) Ponder-Stokes. He was preceded in death by his son Jimmie Jr., his sister Ethel Mae For, and his brothers Willie Knight, Capus Jr., Benjamin, Cyler, and Wilbert Ponder.

Jimmie attended public school in the Screven County (Sylvania, GA) and Volusia County (Daytona Beach, FL) School Systems. Jimmie earned a GED (General Education Development) Certificate.

Jimmie was the ninth of Capus and Elnora’s eleven children. He was my “big brother,”my protector, and my best friend. He kept me out of trouble and on a narrow path; we had many adventures together. A gifted Artist for more than 50 years; master of the pencil, charcoals and pastels. A stylish dresser, he loved singing and playing the bass guitar at the end of most work (Laborer) days. Jimmie was also a fantastic athlete, excelling at boxing.

He leaves to mourn his passing his 3 lovely daughters: Kisha Stokes, Jimmese Zellars (Carlos), and Latasha Tillman. Ten grandchildren; Marissa Willingham (Slone), Kristine stokes, D’Vonte Speed, Jonathon Jackson, Khadijah Jackson, Armand Lee, Cairo Zellars, Travon Williams, DeAndre Williams, and JaiQuan Miller. And, five great grandchildren; Kourtney Willingham, Khloe Willingham, Joshua Willingham, Kharson Jackson and Keondre Williams. Four of his 10 brothers; Dave Ponder, Gregory Stokes, Aleem (Ponder) Fakir and Robert Ponder. Four of his 7 sisters; Catherine (Ponder) Benyard, Bettye (Ponder) Weems, Mary (Ponder) Reid, Frances (Stokes) Larry, and Earnestine (Stokes) Townsend:

….more Loving Memories

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Jimmie’s Gallery of Drawings