Zell Ponder Willis, age 93, a precious jewel to her family, left this earth to live with her Heavenly Father on Wednesday July 10, 2024. She was born October 17, 1930.

Zell was the youngest of twelve children born to Cleophus and Mae Ballard Ponder. She was born in the Upper Laurel community of Madison County, where she lived her entire life. In her senior year of High School, she and Perry Willis fell in love and were married on May 29, 1948. They were a devoted couple for 56 years until Perry's death in July 2004.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Perry; son, Bobby Willis; grandson, William Perry Willis; son-in-law, Rick Jenkins; sisters, Vera Ponder, Luealla Ponder, Orthella Ponder, Belvia Fox, Rellie Ponder, and Dorothy Hamlin; brothers, Paul, Levi, Lloyd, Velt and Roscoe Ponder.

Zell retired from Honeywell MFG Company in Mars Hill. She loved working on the farm and in her yard tending to her beautiful flowers. It seemed everything she planted grew and blossomed. Her gentle, kind, and sweet spirit was frequently acknowledged by her friends and family. Like her flowers, she was a beautiful and dedicated mother to her four children whom she adored.

She is survived by her daughter, Susie Jenkins; sons, Jimmy Willis (Melanie), Anthony Willis, and daughters-in-law, Cleta Willis and Rita Willis; ten grandchildren, Jeff Willis (Christy), Jamie Starkey (Eldridge), Daniel Jenkins (Brandy), Josh Jenkins (Amanda), Cassandra Buckner (Brandon), Heidi Ashe (Chris), Joseph Willis (Shreena), Mitchell Willis (Ashley), Amanda Walker, Erin Wilson, and granddaughter-in-law, Bonnie Willis; twenty-three great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. Her children arise up and call her blessed (Proverbs 31:28)

Zell loved her church family and was a lifelong member of Upper Laurel Baptist Church. In 2021, she became homebound and during that time, with the good care of her family and many private caregivers, she was able to enjoy her home until the last nine months. She was so grateful for their faithful, loving, and lending hands and she loved them all with her sweet spirit.

The family expresses thanks to the church and many other extended family and friends. They brought her much support, encouragement, and pleasure through visits, cards, prayers, special music, meals, and desserts. Special thanks to Madison Health and Rehabilitation for their hard work and professional care given to our mother as well as our family.

The service celebrating Zell's life will be held at Upper Laurel Baptist Church at 3:00 pm Sunday July 14, 2024. Pastor Cline Hensley will be officiating. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends 1:00 – 3:00 pm on Sunday prior to the service at the church.

The family will gather Saturday July 13, 2024 from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the Near Way, 1200 Bear Branch Road, Mars Hill, for a time of fellowship if anyone would like to stop by.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Zell's memory may be sent to: Upper Laurel Baptist Church, C/O Cemetery Fund, 9940 Hwy. 23, Mars Hill, NC 28754.

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