Mr. Johnny Lenell Ponds, Sr.

“For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4: 6-7

Johnny L. Ponds, Sr. was born on July 31, 1946, in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. He was the son of the late Lenell and Mary Ellen Ponds. On February 15, 2024, Johnny peacefully transitioned from labor to reward.

Johnny was educated in the public schools of Norfolk, Virgina and was a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. After the completion of high school, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1965. During Johnny’s basic and advanced individual training at Fort Jackson, he met Rachel Jeffery whom he married in 1969. Johnny proudly served his country for 21 years until he retired in 1985. Throughout his military career, Johnny received several awards and accolades including the Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Overseas Service Bar, and many more. He was also employed with the United Postal Service for 20 years. 

Johnny loved the Lord and became a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in 2009, where he served faithfully for 15 years.

In addition to his parents, Johnny was preceded in death by his siblings, Donald, Larry, Yvette and Ernestine. 

Those left to cherish Johnny’s fond and precious memories are his loving wife of 55 years, Rachel R. Ponds of the home; one son, Johnny (Chastity) L. Ponds, Jr., of Columbia, SC; two daughters, Melannie Ponds of Columbia, SC and Aneyah (Brett) Elmore of Annapolis, MD; fourteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Vernon Ponds of Philadelphia, PA and Curtis (Mary) Pond of NJ; sisters, Dourine Cook of Annapolis, MD, Glendora (Dominique) Liverpool of  Catonsville, MD and Gaynell (John) Glover of Camden, SC; sisters-in-law, Lucille Thurmond of  Gaston, SC, Rosa Lee Phillips of West Columbia, SC, Delores (Edward) White and Catherine Ponds both of Columbia, SC; brother-in-law, Asa Jeffery of Columbia, SC; two aunts, Mary Grace Hough of Port Orange, FL and Alma Brownof New York City, NY; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will all miss him dearly.

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