Barbara Ponder Roane

With heavy hearts, the family of Barbara Ann Ponder Roane announce her unexpected passing on December 2, 2025. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Barbara was the cherished daughter of the late Margaret and James O. Ponder.

Possessing a big heart and kind soul, she was beloved and admired by friends and family. Her warmth, sincerity, elegant spirit, and gentle grace drew others to her naturally. She was always poised, stylish, and naturally charming. A devoted enthusiast of all things beautiful, she loved plants and possessed a special affinity for orchids.

As a young child she moved to Atlanta, Georgia with her family when her father was transferred to the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office. After graduating from high school, she modelled for a short time before relocating to Orlando, Florida, becoming a successful buyer for multiple upscale retailers. She later relocated to Sarasota, Florida, also as a buyer, but incorporated her natural talents for visual and interior design into her workplace. During this time, she also maintained a list of personal clients who requested her oversight and assistance with their personal interior design projects.

She moved to Birmingham in 2015, to be closer to her father, James O. Ponder, who resided at Danberry Assisted Living at Inverness until his passing.

A full-time personal shopper for Saks Fifth Avenue at the Summit she quickly acquired a following of long-term clients, many of whom became personal friendships. After living in South Florida for so many years, Barbara always said she fell in love with the mountainous landscapes of Birmingham and our changing seasons.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and James O. Ponder of Atlanta, Georgia, and her brother, Robert (Bob) Ponder, of Oviedo, Florida.

Barbara is survived by her brother, Richard (Terry) Ponder (Connie). She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Ginny Ponder, the wife of her late brother, Bob, and Paula Ponder, mother of nephew Keith Ponder. She will be profoundly missed by her former husband and lifelong friend, Everette Roane, and his daughter, whom Barbara adored, Regan Russell and their family.

She is lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews, children of Richard (Terry) Ponder: Glenn Ponder (Jackie), Melanie Moyer (Jon), Keith Ponder, and children of Ginny Ponder and the late Bob Ponder, Eric Ponder, Ryan (Danielle) Ponder, Madison Ponder, and Jordan Ponder, and grand-nieces and nephews: Caeden, Aiden, Brennen, Sophia, Averie, Noelle, and Everett.

Visitation is scheduled Sunday, December 14, at 12:00 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home and the Service is at 1:00 pm. (475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124)

Internment will take place at Floral Hills Memory Gardens in Tucker, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Birmingham Botanical Gardens or any Humane Society or animal rescue of your choosing.