Kittie Jones Ponder

Kittie Jones Ponder, 93, of Maryville, Tennessee, passed away on January 21, 2023. She was born to parents Warren and Catherine Jones on 03/14/29 in Macon, Georgia. She graduated from Miller High School in Macon and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Mercer University in Macon.  Later she attended graduate school to study education at the University of Tennessee and graduated with a master’s degree +45 hours. Kittie was a teacher for Blount County Schools, teaching English at William Blount High School.  But she could usually be found at various locations around the county tutoring any number of students in language arts, or math.  She loved helping that one student succeed who never believed it possible.  She retired from William Blount in 1994, but continued serving students through home-bound teaching, tutoring students at the Blount County Children’s Home, and even working with adults who wanted a fresh start, pass the GED.  She firmly believed it was never too late to learn. She was very active at New Providence Presbyterian Church.  A long-time member of the choir, she served on the Session as well as many other committees and loved her circle group.  Finally, she had a passion for books and was always in the middle of the latest novel. Kittie is survived by her son, Mike Ponder; daughter and son-in-law, Betsy and Sam Harris; and grandson, Sean.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim Ponder as well as her parents and her brother, Warren Jones. A Memorial Service will be at 5:00 PM Friday, January 27, 2023 at New Providence Presbyterian Church, Maryville, TN. Reception to follow with Reverend Emily Anderson officiating the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blount County Family Resource Center, 831 Grandview Drive, Maryville, TN 37803.  Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com