Obituary of Ponda Hortense Terry

Ponda Hortense Terry, age 90, of Eden, Alabama went to be with the Lord on September 21st, 2023, surrounded by family at Brookwood Medical Hospital after a short illness. She was born to J.W. and Geneva (Ginn) Jones on January 2, 1933, and was the oldest of 2 children. Her brother, Jimmy Dale, unfortunately, passed away at only a few days old. Ponda learned the value of hard work and service to others from her parents who owned and operated one of the first dairies in St. Clair County. Her family roots run deep in St. Clair. The Ginn family were some of the early settlers of St Clair County and her great grandfather John Libby helped to build the Avondale Mills smoke stack and was influential in building many of the structures still standing in the city today. She was the Girls State representative for Pell City High School in 1950, the US state championship typist, and was her class Valedictorian. She married Allen Ray Terry and followed him faithfully through the Army for 24 years as they raised their 3 beautiful daughters, Neysa Terry, Janet Gray (Howard), and Tina Kuykendall (Leonard). After retirement from the Army, she and her husband returned to live on her family’s land. Ponda's Christian faith was an important part of her life. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church for over 60 years, where she served in many capacities including Sunday school teacher, choir member, and Women's Missionary Union leader. She was a devout follower of Jesus Christ, and she lived her life in accordance with his teachings. She was always willing to help others, and she was known for her kindness, compassion, generosity, and hospitality. She loved to open her home to others for fellowship and meals. Ponda was a dedicated member of her community. She volunteered her time to many organizations, including the Red Cross, and the local hospital, where she was an auxiliary for 38 years. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Ponda was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Family was her top priority. She loved her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren dearly. She was always there for them, and she supported them in everything they did. Ponda will be remembered as a loving, giving, and caring person. She made the world a better place with her presence and was a cherished friend to many. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her grandchildren, Joshua (Meike) Gray, Jessica (Kyle) Frankum, Sarah (Cory) Spradlin, Olivia Terry-Gray, and Allen Terry-Gray. The great-grandchildren include Marillyn and Margot Spradlin, Ellis and Makenzie Frankum, and Ronja and Linus Gray. Ponda was preceded in death by her parents J.W. and Geneva Jones; brother, Jimmy Dale Jones; daughter, Joan Melicent Terry, husband, Allen Ray Terry; and husband, Homer Bowman. The family will receive friends at New Hope Baptist Church from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. The funeral service will be held at New Hope Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, with Rev. Tommy Turner officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in honor of Mrs. Terry be made to either ASPCI ( 2631 Martin Street South, Pell City, Alabama 35128) or to Pell City Animal Shelter (1071 Airport Road, Pell City, Alabama 35128). Condolences may be offered online at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home of Pell City is assisting the family.