Celebrating the life of DeWayne Ponder, born January 28, 1952 in Detroit, MI, to the late Edward and Louise Ponder. DeWayne is from a large family of 9 children. His father taught his sons a disciplined work-ethic by having them work along-side him with his lawn business. DeWayne carried this work-ethic into his adult life in how he maintained and took pride into his own home.
DeWayne accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 2001. He stayed faithful to his church, Word of Faith International Christian Center, by serving in the parking lot ministry.
DeWayne was educated in the Detroit Public School System. One of his favorite pastimes was baseball. He was the first African-American All-City Baseball Recipient at Finney High School. He continued to play baseball as an adult with different community leagues, coworkers, and friends. DeWayne’s career spanned many years in the automotive industry until his retirement with M.E.C. Stahl’s in 2020.
DeWayne married the love of his life in 2002. They grew up as childhood neighbors and they reunited 29 years later. Keeping his promise, they enjoyed a life full of happiness for over 19 years. He affectionately called her his “First Lady.”
DeWayne loved people! To know him was to love him and the best part was the way he loved you back. This love was also displayed by his nephew Tyrice who provided support to his Aunt Gilda during these last several weeks.
His loved ones who preceded him in death are his daughters, Tanisha “Tina” Browning, Nichole Ponder; his siblings, Melvin Ponder Sr, Eleanor “LA” Grandberry, Franklin Jerome Ponder, Sharon Denise Ponder and Gloria Diane Lowery.
DeWayne leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Gilda; his children, Alvina (Sylvanus) Williams, Brian (Karen) Cooper, Ta’mara (Kevin) Lewis, Antionette (Darius) Jones; his siblings, James (Anne) Ponder, Gwendolyn Clemons, Angela Knight; his grandchildren, Alexis Ponder, Janell Ponder, Alayna Johnson, Djuan Almanza, Kendall Cooper and Samantha Cooper. A beloved Mother-in-Law, Emma Browning and a host of loving relatives and friends.
To watch the funeral service live on ZOOM, click the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6249875412?pwd=a1hvcDJjRlM5emZ3S2VwOFVhZkw5Zz09
Meeting ID: 624 987 5412
Passcode: 01281952
