Sharon Stinson Ponton, 82, passed away at home on May 12, 2021 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Sharon was born in Amarillo TX, to loving parents Walter and Lillian Stinson. She graduated from Amarillo High School and attended Amarillo Community College.
She met her husband, Jerry, while volunteering at the Amarillo Air Force Base USO club, where he was training on jet fighter aircraft. They were married in Amarillo in 1958, by her uncle, Olin Quattlebaum, a retired Methodist Minister. They settled in Tucson, AZ, where Jerry grew up and was stationed in the Air Force and she worked at the University of Arizona. Their son Robert “Chip” was born in Tucson. After Jerry started working for Continental Airlines, they had a series of assignments over 10 years that took them to Dallas, TX, Redondo Beach, CA, Midland, TX, Kailua, HI, Colorado Springs, CO, and finally Houston, TX. Over the years, Sharon worked for the YMCA, Hawaii Loa College, Colorado College, North Harris County College, and had a 20 year career with Airborne Express.
After retiring she enjoyed traveling, visiting family, working with senior groups, and ministering to the sick and elderly in hospitals and nursing homes. She was a member of Bering Memorial Methodist Church and involved in pastoral ministry. Sharon and Jerry formed and led two Senior Adult Ministries in Methodist churches for a total of 13 years.
Sharon had an infectious personality, she was loving and nurturing to everyone she met. She was a true Texan, always cooking great southern food for friends and family. Everyone whose life she touched will remember her fondly.
Sharon is survived by her husband of 62 years, Jerry, son Chip, daughter-in-law Marti, granddaughter Julia Ponton, and grandson Evan Ponton, all of Mesa, AZ; sister Sue and brother-in-law Billy Daniel of Amarillo, TX; sister Wanda Haynes of Colorado Springs, CO; brother-in-law William and wife Lori Ponton of Reno, NV and nephews and nieces.
A celebration of Sharon's life will be held at Bering Memorial Methodist Church, 1440 Harold Street, Houston Texas 77006 on June 11, 2021 at 11 a.m.
We request any donations to be made to the “Open Gate Ministries” at Bering Memorial UMC. This benefits homeless children by providing meals and some services.
Checks should be made out to: Bering Memorial UMC, 1440 Harold St. Houston, TX 77006. In the memo line, enter “Open Gate Ministries” and in Honor of Sharon Ponton.
