Joan Yvonne (Ponder) Ramsey

Joan Ponder Ramsey, 87, slipped peacefully into the presence of her Lord on April 19th, 2022.  She is survived by her faithful and dedicated husband of 64 years, Jimmy, who loved and cared deeply for her. She is also survived by her two daughters, Teresa Heffelfinger and husband Mark of Boiling Springs and Sandy Dwier and husband Bob of Stanley.  She was blessed with 5 grandchildren: Kristen Wilson and husband Chris, Jamie Harris and husband John, Joshua Pendergraft and fiancé Betsy, Heather Triplett and husband Nicolas, and Matthew Heffelfinger and wife Alexis.  And 5 great-grandchildren: Ramsey, Leighton, and Paige Wilson, Elizabeth Pendergraft and Levi Harris. Joan is also survived by her sister, Louella Sutphin of Yadkinville and brother, Forrest Ponder, Jr and wife Freida of Mars Hill. She is preceded in death by her father, Forrest Ponder, Sr and her mother, Duffie Silvers Ponder.

Joan was a loving wife, mother and Meme to her family and always demonstrated the love of Christ to others.  She was an active member of First Baptist Church, Stanley where she served her Lord in many roles.  She helped establish the kindergarten program and was the first teacher there, which is now FBC Child Care Center.  She served as pianist, choir member, Sunday school teacher, librarian, and historian. She served on many committees including the personnel committee and weekday early education committee. She helped to establish the prayers and squares quilt ministry and taught several quilting classes. Joan served on the board of directors for the Stanley Total Living Center and taught a Sunday school class for residents for several years. Joan obtained her degree in Early Childhood Education from Mars Hill College (now University) and worked 25 years for Gaston County Schools teaching first and third grade at Kiser Elementary School. 
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mrs Ramsey will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday April 22 at First Baptist Church in Stanley with Rev. Dr. Tony Fulbright officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Woodlawn Funeral Home of Mt Holly is serving the family.

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