Gladys Ponder Ball, 79 of Mars Hill went home to be with the Lord after an extended illness on July 22, 2021. She was the daughter of the late Floyd Lee and Delda Buckner Ponder and grew up in the Upper Laurel community of Madison County. She was preceded in death by her parents; her lifelong love and husband of 57 years, Dave Ball; and her brothers Leonard and David Ponder.

Gladys always looked for opportunities to help others and she loved learning. At Mars Hill High School she was valedictorian of her graduating class and was talented in basketball and cheerleading. She furthered her education at Mars Hill Jr College receiving her Associates Degree, then continued at MHC and completed her Bachelor of Arts. Later Gladys went on to graduate with her Master of Arts in Education from Western Carolina University. She spent her career teaching in the Madison County School system retiring in 2003. Gladys taught all ages from kindergarten to high school with most of her years devoted to elementary and middle school - she specialized in Math and French but taught many other subjects.

She put others' needs before her own and looked for ways she could help . Gladys was a devoted wife and mother who encouraged her family to achieve goals and work hard. She set an example through her faith and her steadfast support of each of us.

Gladys grew up attending Upper Laurel Baptist Church, then in adulthood was active in Calvary Baptist and Beech Glen Baptist Churches. She sang in the choir and participated in WMU and Sunday School. At home Gladys played the piano and autoharp, she preferred hymns and in recent years remembered the older hymns of her youth. She was a prayer warrior for her family and community, she supported every cause, both near and far, that helped others. Throughout her life, including her final years, her Godly spirit and love for others shone through. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by daughters Sherry Masters (and husband Mark) of Asheville, Debbie Robinson (and husband Phillip) of Weaverville, son Brian Ball (and wife Sandi) of Mars Hill, six grandchildren: Ian and Eli Masters, Kerry Greene (and husband Cody), Trent Robinson (and wife Lindy), Bailey and Braden Ball, and one great-granddaughter, Harper Kaye Greene. Her sister Mildred Metcalf, her brother Clifford Ponder (Joan), brothers & sisters-in-law Bill & Elaine Ball, Jerry & Pat Ball and Dean & Susan Ball, Fred & Irene Black, Jean Hoffner, Joann Faulkner, Carol Ponder, and many nieces and nephews.

Her family would like to thank Ruby Stanton, Sue Peek and Marla Reese; and the Care Partners nurses and aides - especially Angi, Mandy and Sarah, all of whom helped care for Mom.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, July 25 at 3pm at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Reverend Stanley Peek will officiate. Burial will follow in the Ball Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-3pm prior to the service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.