Dorothy C Ponder

Dorothy “Dot” Connell Ponder, 91, of Hermitage, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday August 21, 2024. Dot was born February 20, 1933, in Fort Meyers, Florida to Melvin Jacob Connell and Gladys Myrle Willis.

Dorothy Connell Ponder left this earthly life, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, to live in eternity with God. Dot was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, Mammie, and friend to so many people it would be impossible to count them. She loved her family tremendously and was constantly involved in Scouting, coaching, volunteering, and helping others outside of her family. Her greatest work contribution was helping her husband run Phil Ponder Prints for 45 years. She loved sports, having played tennis for many years with the wonderful women of Ravenwood. Her devotion to Girl Scouts spanned over 40 years earning her special recognition from the local council. Her memberships included Jayceettes, St. Stephen Catholic Community in Old Hickory, and the Exchange Club of Donelson-Hermitage. Hobbies included travel, collecting various items, reading, following college and professional sports, Sudoku, arts & crafts, playing Bridge with her family, puzzles, puzzles, and more puzzles.

Dot is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Gladys Connell. She is survived by her loving, devoted husband of 68 years, Phil Ponder; her four children, Terrie Ponder Watch (Dan), Rob Ponder (Carmen), Deb Ponder, and Stephanie Ponder Randolph (Jay). Her eight wonderful grandchildren are Megan Watch, Kalie Watch Shapiro, Quinn Watch, Lucie Watch, PJ Ponder, Isabelle Ponder, Morgan Randolph Owensby, and Riley Randolph. Noah Shapiro, the first great grandchild, was a recent addition to Dot’s family legacy. Brother, Robert M. Connell (Elaine) survives his sister, also.

Services will be held at St. Stephen Catholic Community, 14544 Lebanon Rd., Old Hickory, with visitations in the main sanctuary on Thursday, August 29, from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM and Friday, August 30, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Following Friday’s visitation, Catholic Mass celebrating Dot’s life will be conducted in the main sanctuary. Burial will be at Hermitage Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens (535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, immediately following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to one of three organizations supported by Dot. They are: St. Stephen Catholic Community in Old Hickory, Exchange Club of Donelson-Hermitage, and the Alive Hospice Residence in Nashville.

Dot will be greatly missed by her family, classmates from Ocala High School (Florida), and so many lifelong friends… but before passing, she expressed her great desire to be reunited with the family and friends that had gone before her. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Ponder family by selecting “Add a Memory” at the bottom of this page.