Earnest (Benyard) Ponder’s Memorial Service will be held Saturday September 11, 2021 at Berean Baptist Church – Fellowship Hall, 211 Madison Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 333-9391. The service will be followed by a drive through Earnest’s old neighborhood. Family colors are navy blue, white and silver (Cowboys’ colors). There will be a balloon release for all who bring their own balloon.
The Repast will be held Saturday at 2:00 pm at Riverfront Veterans Memorial Park, 1933 South Palmetto Ave, South Daytona, FL 32119, (386) 322-3070.
Earnest family, and loved ones held a prayer vigil at the hospital just before his death was announced. The vigil was well attended including family on the phone; present was his daughter Keidra, His Brother Gene and his sister Christeen. Also attending was Earnest lovely partner and fiancé Cheryl, his niece Ashley and a host of cousins, uncles and aunts.
Condolences to our family, the Ponder-Stokes Family. We have lost another piece of our heart and a driving force in our family; you will live in our hearts forever.
OBITUARY
Earnest Franklin Ponder, Sr.
May 10, 1961 – September 4, 2021
Earnest was born in Daytona Beach, FL to Johnny Benyard and the late Catherine (Ponder) Kelly. He attended public school in the Volusia County School System. Earnest opted out of high school early joining the U.S. Job Corps, where he studied welding as he earned his high school equivalency (GED).
He was the youngest of Catherine’s four children; affectionally known as “P-Funk”. A gifted athlete and avid sport fan, I think that basketball was his favorite sport to play. He took great pride in his ability to train large dogs, such as German Shepherds, Dobermans, Pit Bulls as he was awarded by the Humane Society. Throughout his life Earnest could always be seen with a dog and a clean car. Earnest was a notable tough guy by reputation, but showed compassion and commitment to God and family making him very special to our family and his community. Earnest was a true friend who always provided an ear to listen and a word of wisdom. A poem to Earnest from his sister, Christeen:
To you Earnest from Cream, “A letter to my brother.”
My eyes cry in vain, no one can see my pain. In my heart I miss you a lot, you are still there in every thought. I know it’s not so simple to let you go, I wish you’d come back ‘cause I miss you so!
Earnest your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. I love you P-Funk!
Earnest is survived by his 5 children: Bryan, Keidra, and Earnest Ponder, Jr; Princes Gordon and Jeniver Scott, Javon Wright and his early deceased baby boy Davon Jones. Eleven grandchildren: Tyerek and Tyshun Ponder, Kamaria and Lajah Giles, Andre and Khaliah Ponder, Tavion Dixon, Danquel McCall, Promise and Praise Gordon, Janiya, Ke’jyanis and Laiya Scott. His sister Christeen (Robert) Rosebourdgh and 2 brothers; Gene and Albert Kelly. His partner and fiancé Cheryl (Lewis) Darby. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles and aunts.
Elnora's Children 