Hazel Stepp Ponder, 93, passed away peacefully at her home, in Hendersonville, NC, on October 1, 2025.
Hazel was born in Hendersonville, North Carolina on November 17, 1931, to the late James and Alma Blackwell Stepp.
In addition to her parents, Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Ponder Sr; sisters, Marie Stepp, Margie Case and Louise Justice; and a brother, Bill Stepp.
Hazel graduated from Dana High School. She worked as a directory assistance operator for Southern Bell, later quitting to spend more time with her family. She was a member of Shaw’s Creek Baptist Church. She was devoted to her family and friends and is remembered for her smile. She loved many types of music especially gospel music.
She is survived by her daughter, Doris Duncan and her husband, Rick, of Richburg, SC; her son, Robert R. Ponder Jr, and his wife, Namkook Kim of Hendersonville; grandchildren, Andrew Taylor of Hendersonville, Katrina Rangel of Greenville, SC; several step-grandchildren; a brother Arthur Stepp.
The family would like to thank Marlean Ponder for all she did for Hazel, the love she gave, the many hours spent caring for her, the positive attitude and all of the other things too numerous to mention. They also thank Four Seasons Hospice for their support and kindness.
A funeral service will be at 2:00 PM Monday, October 6, 2025 in The Chapel in The Pines of Jackson Funeral Service. Burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to the Ponder family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or C/O Jackson Funeral Service 1101 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Please include the name of the deceased on the condolence.
The family has entrusted Jackson Funeral Service with the arrangements.