Evelyn Ruth Ford Pounders

Abingdon, VA - Evelyn Ruth Pounders passed away on July 30, 2022. Ruth was a kind, compassionate, loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her promotion to heaven from this earthly body is a blessing to those who share in her tremendous Christian faith. We shall miss her wonderful smile and her loving embrace. Ruth passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family and in the prayers of many Christian saints that she had touched over the years.

One of five sisters, born to Charles Clay Ford and Vertie Puckett Ford Powers, in Dickinson County, Virginia; Ruth moved with her family to Michigan where over time she attend Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church. It is here she met and married Major McGeary Pounders, recently from Alabama and they settled and raised their children in a God-centered family in Shelby Township, MI. Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, and matriarch of the family and cherished her family dearly.

Major and Ruth moved to Abingdon, Virginia after retirement, and they spent many years splitting time between South Holston Lake and wintering in Florida. Ruth loved to shop in the flea markets, spend time with her friends, and especially loved quilting, making many beautiful gifts for friends and family. During holidays, she spent many joy-filled hours cooking for her children and grandchildren, making wonderful memories with her “Big Breakfasts” during Christmas visits.

A devoted Christian, Ruth took great joy and comfort in the fact that all her children and grandchildren are born-again believers and active followers of Christ. Many are involved in ministry and continuing the legacy she and Major instilled in their family.
The family would like to make special recognition to those that supplied special care for Ruth these last few years: Tricia Tolliver, her in-home caregiver; Caris Healthcare, her hospice care; and the entire staff at Abingdon Health and Rehab in Abingdon Virginia.

She leaves behind her husband of 61 years, Major Pounders; son, Timothy (Shauna) Pounders of Columbia, TN, daughters, Sherry (Peter) Steinhaus of Winston-Salem, NC, and Kimberly (Mark) Johnson of Knoxville, TN; sisters, Iris Sutherland, Nellie (Carroll) Edwards, Janet (Lester) Kiser, and Yvonne (Kelly) Viers; grandchildren, Kyle, Rachel, Allison, Ashley, Grace, Grant, Colin, Brady, Avery, and Nora; great-grandchildren, Fisher, Cooper, Nora, Drew, Lexi, Harper, Weston, Keller, and Keasling. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Vertie.

Visitation with the family will be held at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, from 5:00–6:30 P.M. A funeral service will follow starting at 6:30 p.m. with Mr. Peter Steinhaus, Pastor Mark Johnson, and Pastor Robby Coggins officiating. On Thursday, August 4, 2022, a graveside committal service will be at Temple Hill Memorial Park in Castlewood, VA at 11:00 A.M. Pallbearers will be Kyle Johnson, Grant Johnson, Colin Pounders, Landon Paul, Addison Calley, and Dan Costigan.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Sanctuary Revitalization Fund of High Point Baptist Church of Meadowview Virginia, 18255 Limestone Dr, Meadowview, VA 24361.

Those wishing to share memories and express sympathy may do so by visiting Ruth’s tribute page at www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family of Evelyn Ruth Pounders is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.