Laverne Ponder

LaVerne Copeland Ponder, age 71, of Carrollton, TX and formerly of Erie, passed away on November 29, 2013.

Born on August 22, 1942 in St. Louis, MO she was the daughter of the late Gertrude Copeland.

She was a graduate of East High School and O.I.C. Business School. LaVerne married the late Willie Earl Ponder and was an executive secretary for American Sterilizer.

Laverne was a faithful church member and enjoyed bowling, softball, sewing, crocheting, ceramics, reading, traveling and cooking.

In addition to her parents and spouse, she was preceded in death by her sister, Linda Copeland, her grandparents Elsie and Oscar James along with nephews Gregory and Michael Copeland and a niece, Latifah Lockett.

Survivors include her children William Earl Ponder and his wife Mary of Canton, OH; Steffanie Bush of Carrollton, TX; Jeffrey Ponder of Erie, PA; and Terence Ponder of Walkersville, MD; 16 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; siblings, Samuel Copeland of Erie; Bishop Lawrence Copeland and his wife Pamela of Durham, NC; Carmelita White and her husband Billy of Erie; Elsie Copeland of Erie; Alan Copeland and his wife Monique of Los Angeles, CA. She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

Friends may call on the Burton Funeral Home, 602 West 10th Street, on Friday from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm and are invited to attend the service on Saturday at 11:00 am at the Second Baptist Church, 757 East 26th Street with the Rev. Allan B. Green officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Second Baptist Church, 757 East 26th Street, Erie, PA 16504.