Remembering Dr. Eunice W. Ponder: A Tribute to the Legacy of Fisk's Former First Lady

Dr. Eunice W. Ponder, an esteemed educator and humanitarian, passed away at 96 on September 20, 2025. She leaves behind her husband of 73 years, Dr. Henry Ponder, along with daughters Edna Cheryl and Anna Katheryn. A cherished aspect of her legacy is the continuation of her gardening traditions and Harvest Dinners, ensuring her culinary arts endure. A Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a Platinum Member of The Links, Incorporated, her contributions profoundly impacted the Black community. Eunice was born on September 4, 1929, in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in Oklahoma after losing her parents. She became an influential figure across four prominent HBCUs, advocating for educational access. Her retirement years were marked by a passionate commitment to gardening and community connection, offering fresh produce to neighbors. In her later years, she faced health challenges with grace and became a beacon of hope for those fighting breast cancer. A Celebration of Life will occur on October 4, 2025.