Barbara Marilyn Ponton

Barbara Marilyn Ponton, a longtime resident of Pearland, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, at the age of 76. Barbara was born on June 11, 1949, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to Everett Emmett Gardner and Patricia Ann Holly. In April of 1979, she found her soulmate, Johnny Wayne Ponton, and together they shared a loving marriage of 46 years.

Barbara graduated from Deer Park High School in 1968. Following graduation, she held positions at the Officer’s Club at Ellington Air Force Base, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, the Veteran’s Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Houston, Texas. Eventually, Barbara chose to leave the workforce to devote herself fully to her family, becoming a loving and dedicated full-time mother to her daughter, Holly, the true sparkle of her life.

In her quieter moments, Barbara found joy in needlepointing, working puzzles and crosswords, and faithfully watching her favorite television shows. She cherished attending weekly church services alongside her daughter and mother and treasured time spent surrounded by family. Barbara’s gentle spirit, devotion, and love for those closest to her were constants throughout her life.

Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Ann Holly Norris.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Johnny Wayne Ponton; her loving daughter, Holly Thacker (Charlie); and her beloved granddaughter, Callie Thacker. She is also survived by her sisters, Shirley Gardner (Howard Ostmann), Gloria Ellis (Clarence), Wanda Norris, and Andrea Gilger (Fred); her brothers, James H. Norris III and Derrick Norris; six nieces, four nephews, six great-nieces and great-nephews, and four great-great nieces and nephews. Barbara is also survived by her sister-in-law, Carla Wall, and brother-in-law, Jimmy Ponton.

Barbara was deeply blessed to have the unwavering love and support of the Garcia family, whose presence brought her comfort and joy. She was lovingly cared for by Esthela Ortega, Esthela Garcia, Araceli Avelar, Carla Rescendes, Angelica Vilchis, and Felipe Garcia Jr., caregivers who loved her wholeheartedly and treated her as family.

Barbara will be remembered for her quiet strength, her kind heart, and her unwavering devotion to her family. Her life was a testament to love, faith, and selflessness, and she leaves behind a legacy of compassion and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, her love will forever remain a guiding presence in the lives she touched.

A visitation will be held on December 22, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm in the Yellow Rose Chapel of Grand View Funeral Home, located at 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, Texas, 77505. A Celebration of Barbara's life will follow at 12:00 pm. Immediately following, she will be laid to rest at Grand View Memorial Park.