Estella W. Ponder was born May 6, 1932. in Natchitoches, Louisiana to Joe Nathan Williams and Rosalie Jackson. She went to be with the Lord on September 12, 2019.

Estella met Thomas Ponder in Fresno, Ca. in early 1955 and they were married later that year on September 2 ^nd .  Thomas was stationed at Castle AFB in Atwater, Ca., where they relocated after marriage.

While stationed at Castle AFB, Estella earned her LVN credentials and worked at the base hospital until moving to North Highlands in 1967. She continued working as an LVN at McClellan, AFB base hospital until retirement.

Estella loved gardening and always maintained a lovely rose garden. She was an excellent cook and made many memorable meals. She was known for her pastries, pies and cakes, especially her famous Mayonnaise cake that everybody would fight over at Christmas.

She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 64 years Thomas A. Ponder; daughters, Jeanne Williams and Michelle Ponder; son, Avery Parrish; sisters, Brenda Jackson of Las Vegas, Diane Jackson and brother Robert Jackson (Lorraine) both of Chicago.

Estella had 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by brothers, Joe Williams, Benny Lee Williams and sisters, Bernice Adams, Mary Campbell and son, Darrel Ponder.

Estella's sparkling eyes and bright smile will be dearly missed by a host of friends and relatives.