Minister Tonya Williams-Ponder, the youngest child of Deacon Earnest Williams, Sr. and Deaconess Myrtice Williams, was born in Albany, Georgia on July 1, 1977.

She was educated in the Dougherty County School System, graduating from Dougherty Comprehensive High School in 1995. She continued her quest for knowledge at Albany Technical College where she earned an Associate degree in Cosmetology. Tonya was a talented young woman who took advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow.  In later years, she attended Darton College and Troy University in the area of Information Technology for which she was awarded the Bachelor of Science degree.

Tonya had the great advantage of growing up in a home in which the Lord was feared and worshipped.  At a very young age, she accepted Christ as her Savior and began her journey of Christian stewardship and devotion at New Zion Hill Baptist Church.  Blessed from her mother's womb with the gift of divine song and dance, Tonya utilized her God-given talents in praise and worship, in praise dance ministry, and as a youth advisor.   As she continued to avail herself in service, she began to sense the call to ministry; and, thereby, engaged in faithfully studying the whole counsel of God as she heeded the "call" to preach and teach the gospel of Christ—ministering to all who would lend an ear.   Her faith and trust in God, guided her life and allowed her to be an example for all mankind.  You could not know her without being inspired by her anointing from on High;  her unfaltering devotion to her church, Greater Joy Cathedral; and the care and love for her pastor, Bishop Quintard S. Caldwell.

Realizing that marriage is ordained by God, Minister Tonya took unto her Lavalle Sherod Ponder, and they became one flesh.  Their union was strong, unshakeable, and filled with love and true devotion to each other.  She was a faithful wife and devoted mother, who ate not the bread of idleness and always sacrificed her needs for the good of her family.  She had a servant's heart, believed deeply in unconditional love, and was always ready to lend a helping hand.  Her friendliness and kindness to all people are lasting tributes to the beauty of her heart and soul.  She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

On Monday, December 28, 2020, our beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend  departed from this earthly tabernacle and stepped into the upper room to be with the Lord.   We rejoice in Philippians 1:21, " For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Loving memories will forever continue in the hearts of her husband, Lavalle S. Ponder; her son, Deunte Mingo; parents, Deacon Earnest and Deaconess Myrtice Williams, Sr.; siblings, Renee Medlock of St. Louis, MO and Earnest Williams, Jr. of Albany, GA; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins, church family, and friends.