Edith Ponds Thompson

            ANSONVILLE – On Sunday, February 12, 2023, Mrs. Edith Ponds Thompson, 85, peacefully slipped away to be with Jesus and her loved ones while being cared for at Atrium NorthEast in Concord.

            Edith was born May 6, 1937 in Anson County, NC and was a daughter of the late Clyde Lee “Red” Ponds and the late Lillie Lawhon Ponds. She was a graduate of Ansonville High School. Following high school graduation, she graduated from Flora MacDonald Women’s College in Red Springs, a junior college and completed her Early Childhood Education studies at Pfieffer College in Misenheimer.

            Her 35-plus year career in elementary education began at Aquadale Elementary School in Stanly County, teaching there for three years, after which she, worked back at home in Ansonville at Ansonville Elementary School teaching children in first through third grades and later worked as a Literacy Coach. Following retirement, she volunteered at the school and served as a substitute tech from time to time. Her passion was always children and helping ensure a better education experience for them all.

            Edith was a life-long member of Ansonville Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir and was involved with the WMU, the Women’s Missionary Society.

            She leaves to cherish her memories, her sons and daughter-in-law, Billy and Renee Thompson and Scott Thompson all of Ansonville; her granddaughter, Anna Lashua and husband, Scott of Polkton; her great-grandchildren, Bryson Curlee, Harper Lashua and Hadley Lashua; her son-in-law, Gary Drake of Garden City, SC; her brother-in-law, Cary Sullivan of Ansonville; her extended family of Leffew’s and Thompson’s and many special and dear friends all whom she loved dearly.

            Edith, affectionately known to many as, Punkin, Mrs. T, the Big E, Queen E, teacher, or friend, she was most proud to be called Mom and Nanny. She loved everyone and saw the good in all people. While others may judge people for being different, she accepted them lovingly and without question.

An encourager, she often sent cards and little gifts of love to cheer up those who may be going through difficult times but most of all, she prayed for them.

Many lives have been touched by Edith Thompson and we are all better for having walked life’s path with her.

In addition to he parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Howard “Bill” Thompson; her daughter, Sheila Drake and her sisters and brother, Evelyn Sullivan, Myra Calloway and Vance Ponds.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ansonville Baptist Church, P.O. Box 368, Ansonville, NC 28007 or to Bethlehem Cemetery Fund, c/o, Robert Burr, 1287 Dickie Little Rd., Wadesboro, NC 28170.

While the hearts of those who love her are saddened and broken, we can rejoice in knowing she is at peace.

Her family will have a private graveside service at Bethlehem Cemetery in Ansonville.

Friends are welcome to call on the family at her home at any time through Wednesday, February 15.

The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com