Betty Ponder departed this life on August 13, 2023. Born to the late Paul and Elease Middleton on December 18, 1949. Betty was born in Eutawville, South Carolina where she later moved to Boston in the late 1950s.

Betty graduated from Jamaica Plain High School in 1968. Shortly thereafter, she gave birth to her first-born daughter, Monica. Betty married Ivy Jimmy Lee Ponder in April 1971. From that union, three additional children were born: Sheronda, Ivy, and Shawn. Betty also has four bonus children: James (Jimmy), Robert (Bobby), Vandell and Rochelle.

Betty was a member of Lily of the Valley Baptist Church for many years. She later became a member of New Hope Baptist Church.

Betty spent most of her career at Blue Cross and Blue Shield and later joined Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital where she retired in 2018.

Betty absolutely loved fashion! She took pride in putting together her attire. Betty enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family. Most of all, she loved spending time with Joe (Prince Joe as she frequently referred to him). He held a special place in her heart, and they were inseparable! Betty was also known for her famous potato salad and oxtails.

Betty was a beautiful, kind, sweet, loving, generous, gracious, strong woman. To know her is to LOVE her!

As she moves on to be with her parents, late husband Ivy Ponder and brothers Moses and Paul Jr. She leaves behind to cherish her precious memories of her four children: daughters, Monica, Sheronda (James Sr) and Ivy (Renalda) and one son Shawn. Four bonus children James, Robert, Vandell and Rochelle (Kenneth). She leaves behind eight grandchildren Tyler, Xeniya, James Jr., Tristan, Jaiah, Shawn Jr., Jamal and Jimmy Jr. and goddaughter Charlika. Her two sisters Elouise and Mamie (Perry) and one brother Jeffrey (Kristy). She also leaves behind her lifetime companion Joe Sparks, Connie DeLeon and Hazel Robinson (over 50 years of friendship) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.