Diane Ponder

Diane Ponder was born on October 18, 1953, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and was a longtime resident of North Brunswick, New Jersey. She passed away on December 18, 2025.

Throughout her life, Diane moved with intention and care. She was a private person: selective and discerning, and she was intentional about the relationships she kept. Diane did not give her time or heart without care. When she gave them, she gave all of herself. With her family and those she held close, her love took shape in presence, gesture, and effort.

Above all, Diane cherished her family, especially her great-niece and great-nephew, Jordan and Jianna Green, who held a truly special place in her life. Her bond with them was deep and unwavering. Diane took pride in being present in their lives, being part of their village, and simply loving them as they grew. Jordan, whom she lovingly nicknamed “Pumpkin,” and Jianna, her “Buttercup,” were her everything. She showed that love through her presence, her protection, and her willingness to do whatever was needed for them.

Although Diane had a stubbornness about her, she was also the most reliable person you could count on, no matter the ask. Diane loved her niece, Alana, deeply, and that love was fully returned. She was, without question, the kind of aunt everyone hopes to have. As Diane grew older, Alana’s role became just as important, if not more so. She made sure Diane was good, no matter what that meant or what was required. Alana showed up and made certain that Diane had what she needed to be okay. Their bond will always be cherished, in this life and beyond.

Diane also built deep and lasting relationships beyond family. She shared a sister-friend relationship of more than sixty years with Karen Gorrell, a friendship they both valued deeply. She shared a close and enduring bond with Guy Williams, who was more than a friend to her. Like a brother, Guy offered steady support, remained in daily contact, and consistently looked after her well-being with care. Diane also shared a close bond with her cousin Allen, with whom she spoke daily. They talked about everything, family, faith, and the small moments of daily life. They prayed with and for one another, shared laughter and gossip, and were a steady source of hope and encouragement for each other.

In her earlier years, Diane enjoyed traveling and experiencing new places. She also had a remarkable sense of direction. Long before navigation systems or apps, she could get in a car and find her way anywhere. She loved driving around just to see different sights and figure out new routes, rarely getting lost and never needing directions. It was as if she carried a map in her head, a natural GPS that never failed, something she found amusing and others found endlessly fascinating.

She spent her career in service-oriented roles, including positions with Johnson & Johnson, the New Jersey Association of Realtors, and South Brunswick Township, where she formed meaningful relationships and found purpose in supporting residents. One coworker, Dania, consistently showed Diane care and support, both during her time at work and throughout her illness. Her presence and concern were deeply appreciated by Diane and her family.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Zeke Ponder and Winnie Ponder, her maternal grandmother, Mattie Wooden, and her brother, Edward Ponder.

She is survived by her siblings, Douglas Ponder and his wife Edna of Lithonia, Georgia, and Pamela Ponder of North Brunswick; her nieces and nephews, Douglas Ponder Jr. and his wife LaKerah, Alana Ponder-Green and her husband Jimmy, and Brandon Ponder of Lithonia, Georgia; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Jordan Green, Jianna Green, and Kehlani Ponder.

Diane will be deeply missed by those who knew her, loved her, and were fortunate enough to be chosen by her.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM. to 12:00 PM., with funeral services at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Crabiel Parkwest Funeral Chapel, 239 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, New Jersey. Burial will follow at Franklin Memorial Park in North Brunswick, New Jersey.

Professional services entrusted to Crabiel Parkwest Funeral Chapel of New Brunswick, NJ. Please visit www.crabielparkwest.com to sign the online guestbook.