Doris Williams Ponson

Doris Williams Ponson “Mawmaw Nanny” was born on August 28, 1950. Doris W. Ponson departed this life on April 17, 2021, at the tender age of 70. She was the first love of Alphonse Ponson Sr. Beloved daughter of the late Elsie and Robert Williams in addition to Ethel Bell. of Bogalusa, LA. Doris Ponson had four children Roxanne Ponson (Sean Ogden), Alphonse Jr. (Ashley) Ponson, Robert (Vanorah) Ponson, and Randy Ponson. She was the Mother-in-Love of Topeka Sparkman and Dawn Lawrence. Doris was a woman of love. She loved and cared for Brandon Ponson, Ireille Bush, Tramaine (Melvin) Moten, Derrick (Tiffany) Alexander, Tekisha Alexander, Michael Alexander, Janell Alexander, April Lucien, and Marian Brown as if they were her own. She was blessed with 49 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Doris had 38 godchildren and was known as Mawmaw Nanny to any and everyone who needed love. Doris was a proud graduate of St. Mary’s Academy. She studied social work at Xavier University and early childhood education at Southern University of New Orleans. She received her bachelor’s degree in education with a specialty in science. She was employed by Charity Hospital and the Welfare office before answering her calling to become a teacher. Doris was an elementary school teacher for over 30 years at Lafayette, Incarnate Word, McDonough #36, Mahaila Jackson, and Edgar P. Horney. She was nominated and won teacher of the year several times. She loved being an inspiration to all she taught. Sadly, she retired due to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 where she missed her forever babies. Doris Ponson was raised Ca-Baptist she went to a Catholic Church in the morning and a Baptist Church at night. She continued that tradition with her children growing up. She was a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and became a licensed Minister. She loved to spread the word of god. And her students enjoyed going to church with her on Sunday mornings. She will be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. The family wishes to express special thanks to the special staff members at JoEllen Smith Home, West Jefferson Hospital, Davita Dialysis Clinic, and the AMED ambulatory drivers for taking care of their mother through the years. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! The funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at Cathedral of Faith Church, 1524 Alvar St., New Orleans, LA 70117. There will be a public viewing from 9:00 am to 10:00 a.m. Service will start at 10:00 am. A mask is required for all who attend the service. The service will be live-streamed on the church’s webpage: https://www.facebook.com/alvin.mulder.7. Doris will be laid to rest with her family in Providence Cemetery, 8200 Airline Drive. Repass will follow at the House of Memories reception hall located at 1933 Stump Blvd., Gretna, LA 70056. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave., NO, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.