Demetra Shondell Ponder, 42, of Shelby, NC passed away on Monday, October 26, 2020 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia, NC.

She was born on May 13, 1978 in Cleveland County, NC to Connie Louise Ponder and the late David Guy Lawrence.

Demetra was a 1996 graduate of Shelby High School. She enlisted in the US Army and served from December 30, 1997 to January 15, 2004 having served during the Iraq War with a tour of duty in Afghanistan for one year. Demetra enjoyed being around others and she loved singing and dancing.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Jessie B. Ponder and Johnnie G. Ponder and her paternal grandparents, Emma Lawrence and Grady Lawrence.

She leaves to cherish her memory to her mother, Connie L. Ponder of Shelby; her children, Khiecia K. Ponder of Charlotte, NC and Thomas Robinson of Kings Mountain, NC; sisters, Tammy S. Ponder of Shelby and Latesha Muhammed of AZ; a brother, Antonio M. Ponder of Shelby; great-grandmother, Connie M. Surratt of Shelby and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The funeral service for Ms. Ponder will be private. The service will be live-streamed on Facebook starting at 2:55 PM. She may be viewed at S.T. Enloe Memorial Chapel on Saturday, November 7, 2020 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM with a reception of friends from 2:30 PM until 3:00 PM. The family will be meeting at 308 Palm Street, Shelby. Burial will take place at Sunset Cemetery with military honors. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloemortuary.com. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.