Carla Ponder

Carla B. Ponder, passed away on May 4, 2024, in Longview, Texas. Born on August 12, 1967, in Linden, Texas, Carla's zest for life and her unwavering spirit left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She was a beacon of love and joy, whose legacy will be cherished forever.
Carla graduated from Marshall High School with the Class of 1985 and went on to further her education at North Carolina State University and East Texas Baptist University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in accounting. Her academic achievements were further recognized through her membership in the National Association of Professional Women. Professionally, Carla excelled as the CEO of Woodlawn Manufacturing Company, where she was not only a leader but also a heartwarming presence among her employees. She led with compassion and integrity, earning the respect and admiration of everyone she worked with. Carla loved her job with a passion that was evident to all, and she believed in the value of hard work and dedication.
Beyond her professional life, Carla was a woman of many interests. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as beach vacations and serene moments on the dock at Caddo Lake. Carla's intelligence, work ethic, and beauty were matched by her love for people. Her close-knit group of friends, whom she considered her tribe, were a testament to her ability to form deep and lasting bonds. Carla had a heart that knew no bounds when it came to helping others. Her generosity extended to all types of work, from tending her yard to creating unforgettable holiday memories for her family and friends. She took pride in her home, ensuring it was a welcoming place for all who entered. The love she shared with her fiancé, John Craig, was profound and true. Carla's devotion to him was matched only by her dedication to her sons, Pierce and Robert Gene, and their wives, Kristen and Colby. As a mother, she was nurturing, supportive, and full of wisdom. However, it was in her role as "YaYa" to her granddaughters, Ivey, Presleigh, and Rylee, that Carla found her greatest joy. Her granddaughters were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Carla's love for her family was the glue that held them together, and her absence will be felt deeply by each of them.
Carla is survived by her loving family: her mother, Janice Bartley, her sons Pierce and Robert Gene, their wives Kristen and Colby, her granddaughters, her devoted fiancé John Craig, her caring brothers Cliff Davis and wife Sharon, Eric Davis and wife Kelly, Kenny Davis and wife Jill, Dennis Davis and wife Melissa, and Bobby Bartley. Her best friend, Christen Slone, and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and family members, including the Anderson family, also survive her. Carla B. Ponder lived a life that exemplified love, hard work, and the joy of giving.
She continues to make the world a better place by her gift of organ donation, and her memory will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. As we bid farewell to Carla, we celebrate a life well-lived and a heart that gave so much. Her spirit will forever remain a guiding light for her loved ones.
A time of visitation will be held from 6-8pm, Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at The Cammack Family Sullivan Funeral Home.
Funeral service will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church at 2:00pm, Wednesday, May 8, 2024 with Dr. Jeremy Roberts and Bro. Pete Sellers officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Eric Davis, Kenny Davis, Cliff Davis, Dennis Davis, Les Davis, Justin Davis and Suggie Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Bartley and Blake Ponder. Online condolences may be offered at www.cammackfamily.com