Thelma Ponder Penix, 95, of Cabot, passed away Thursday, January 13, 2022.  She was born September 25, 1926 in Monroe, Louisiana.  Thelma was a member of Restoration Pentecostal Church in Cabot.  She was a school teacher for thirty years in Cabot and Monroe, Louisiana.  Thelma enjoyed painting and loved being with her family.  Although no longer physically here, her spirit will forever live on and be shared through the ones she influenced, taught and loved.  For 95 years, she made a remarkable, loving and everlasting presence in her family, friends and students.  Thelma was an elegant lady, loving sister and helper to many siblings.  She was a faithful wife, strong mother and an encouraging and compassionate teacher of many in schools and Sunday schools.  Thelma was dedicated to her church and served in many capacities: playing the piano (which she learned to do by ear), singing the Lord's praises and her puppets and felt storyboards, which she shared in Sunday school, delighted many.  Thelma was the mother of two sons with whom she shared her love of music, art and the Lord.  She was a grandmother of five (who loving caller her "Momsie") and she doted over and spoiled each one.  She also loving shared her extraordinary genes of the love of music and her artistic ability with them.  Thelma was a great-grandmother and great-great grandmother who lived up to the "greatness" by never running out of love and praise for all of them.  The Lord truly blessed us with Thelma (Deanie, Mom, Momsie) Ponder Penix.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two husbands; three sisters and seven brothers.

Survivors include her sons, Thomas and Joel Ponder; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two sisters; three brothers and numerous extended family members and friends.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 17, 2022 at Thomas Funeral Service Chapel.  Interment will follow at Mountain Springs Cemetery.  Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the funeral home on Monday.  Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Service, 501-941-7888.