Geraldine Witt (Ponder) Coldwell

Geraldine (Mrs. Gerry) Ponder Coldwell’s faith became sight on Saturday evening, August 17, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., when she was lovingly carried into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  She fought a good fight and finished her course with great faith.  Her relationship with the Savior began when as a young girl in a community revival in the tobacco warehouse in Morristown, she trusted and accepted him as her Savior.

Mrs. Gerry was born to Rev. Joel Herschel and Mrs. Charlsey Ponder in Drexel Hill, PA. on September 15, 1930.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Coldwell; infant son, Joel Larkin Coldwell; parents, Rev. Joel Herschel and Charlsey Ponder; Sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth (Joe) Jenkins and Mrs. Charlotte (Roscoe) Neighbors, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Mrs. Gerry loved her church families.  She was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church for over 60 years. She was a former and faithful member of Three Springs Baptist Church and Parkway Baptist Church.  For the past sixteen years as her health allowed, she faithfully attended Fernwood Baptist Church with her family.  Music was a large part of Mrs. Gerry’s life.  She was a longtime member of the Hillcrest Baptist Church choir. Her beautiful soprano voice continued to be a beautiful addition to her church’s congregational music throughout her life.  She was recently recognized and honored for 60 years of membership in the Samuel Doak Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for over 50 years.  

Mrs. Gerry’s life was a light to all who knew her.  She was known for her “Prayer Pocket” where she carried prayers for her family, friends, and anyone she met who soon recognized what a prayer warrior she was.  Her natural sight was limited for many years of her life; however, her spiritual sight was loving and wise.  For many years, she spent cherished hours calling family and friends to check on them, encourage them, and see if they had a prayer request for her pocket.  During her final years and after she became completely blind, she stayed connected with her family and friends with her Alexa.  Alexa also kept her in touch with her favorite radio stations and knowledgeable of the weather, local and world news.  WCRK was a daily morning request for Alexa.  

Her limited sight prevented her from driving; however, that didn’t limit church attendance for her and her children as they were growing up.  Her commitment to the spiritual foundation and growth in her children’s lives was reflected in the mile walk to church from Redwood St. in Oak Hills to Hillcrest Baptist Church. On occasion, one hand may have held a switch from the front yard forsythia bush while the other held the hand of a rambunctious son. 

Mrs. Gerry was known for her love of and passion with which she shared stories of her childhood and her years as an elementary school teacher in Gastonia, NC and Russellville Elementary and Fairview-Marguerite Elementary in Hamblen County. She also served as a homebound teacher with the Hamblen County School System.  Seeing former students and hearing about their lives and successes always brought great joy to Mrs. Gerry.   

When visiting with Mrs Gerry and she transitioned into storytelling mode, the best thing to do was to sit back and enjoy.  Some of her fondest memories were market trips she took with her mother and her Aunt Eula Dawson (owner of Dawson’s Woman’s Shop).  They would take the train to New York and Atlanta to see the latest women’s clothing styles.  Her favorites were the hats.  Mrs. Gerry’s love of hats continued throughout her life and was often seen donning one of her favorites.  

Other stories included fond memories of time spent with her mother making baked goods for friends and church members while her father, Rev. Herschel Ponder, was away serving as an Army chaplain overseas during WWII.  Her mother would trade her gas coupons with the neighbor for her flour and sugar rations.  After returning from WWII, Mrs Gerry and her mother supported “Preacher Ponder” as he served several churches in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Tennessee.  She had many fond memories of the parishioners and the churches her father served.  

Mrs. Gerry was the honored and cherished family matriarch.  No family gathering was complete without her loving presence.  Her strong faith and firm convictions were guiding lights; she led by example.  Not one of her children, grandchildren, other family members, or friends can remember a time when Mom spoke negatively about anyone.  Her motto was, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

Mrs. Gerry is survived by her four children: Paula (Sonny) Davis, Phil (Marilyn) Coldwell, Wayne (Tabby) Coldwell, and Ernie (Julie) Coldwell.

Grandchildren are Natasha Davis, Erika (Todd Maples) Davis, Hunter (Kim) Coldwell, Ty (Joy) Coldwell, Madison (Derek) Young, Gage (Breanna Murphy, fiance) Coldwell, Landon Coldwell, Allison Coldwell, Ann (Douglas) Highers, Perry (Gabby Greer, fiance) Coldwell, Jerry Coldwell, Greyson (Grace Pollard - fiance) Coldwell, Seth Coldwell, Eli Coldwell, Joel Coldwell, and Evan Coldwell.

Great-Grandchildren are Taylor (Jeremy Holt, fiance) Lemka, Hayden Seal, Calli Grace Seal, Cole Henson, Cade Henson, Bailee Young, Parker Young, Bradley Coldwell, Boone Coldwell, Isaiah Coldwell, Oliver Coldwell, Harrison Oakes, Palmer Lamb, Sarah Coldwell, Michael Highers, Ashlee Highers, Ethan Maples, Austin Maples, Marlee Maples, and Jayden Pollard

Great-Great Granddaughter is Taytum Grace Lemka

“Who can find a virtuous woman?  Her price is far above rubies.  Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”  Proverbs 31:10 - 31 KJV

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the following groups or individuals who helped bring joy to Mrs. Gerry’s life. Amedisys Home Health; the TerraBella Assisted Living family; longtime friends and neighbors, Dean & Brenda Hammer; the Volunteer Blind Organization; the National Library of Congress which provides free talking books to people of low vision and blindness (Mrs. Gerry enjoyed years of listening enjoyment of all genres); caregiver, Deborah Martin; and Morristown Hamblen Hospital 2nd Floor South Staff.  Mrs. Gerry and longtime caregiver and dear friend, Mrs. Fayetta Gunter, who preceded her in death in March of this year. have been reunited in the Savior’s presence. 

A Celebration of Life and Homegoing Service will be held Saturday, August 24, 2024, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Fernwood Baptist Church.  Rev. Sonny Davis, bonus son of Mrs. Gerry, will officiate.  The music, favorite hymns of Mrs. Gerry’s, will be played on the piano by Ms. Natasha Davis, granddaughter of Mrs. Gerry, and accompanied on the bass by Ty Coldwell, grandson of Mrs. Gerry.  Great-granddaughter, Taylor Lemka, will sing one of Mrs. Gerry’s favorites, during the service.  Other children and grandchildren will share memories and favorite songs during the service.

Prior to the service between the hours of noon and 2:00 p.m., family and friends may visit at the church to pay their respects or share fond memories and favorite stories of Mrs. Gerry with each other and those that loved her. 

Internment will follow at the Coldwell Family Cemetery in Mooresburg, TN.  Music at the graveside will be provided by grandchildren, Ty Coldwell and Madison Young.

Pallbearers (Grandsons)

Hunter Coldwell, Ty Coldwell, Gage Coldwell, Perry Coldwell, Jerry Coldwell, Greyson Coldwell, Seth Coldwell, Eli Coldwell, Joel Coldwell, & Evan Coldwell

Honorary Pallbearers (Great Grandsons)

Hayden Seal, Cole Henson, Cade Henson, Parker Young, Bradley Coldwell, Michael Highers, Ethan Maples, Austin Maples, & Jayden Pollard

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