LaPonda Angel

LaPonda Sue Angel of Columbia, MS, formerly of Raleigh, NC, entered into the eternal rest of her Lord, Tuesday morning, February 14, 2023, at the Driftwood Nursing Center in Gulfport, MS. Mrs. Angel was 76 years of age. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Born on June 22, 1946 in the small coal mining town of Superior, West Virginia, LaPonda was an original baby boomer! The daughter of WW2 vet Bennie Pokemire and his beautiful bride Virginia, LaPonda was raised with 2 brothers, Bennie Joe and Danny and a baby sister named Jackie. Along with being raised a Mountaineer from West Virginia, she also spent several of her formative years in New Jersey surrounded by a myriad of family members and fond memories. From these life experiences would ascend countless stories she shared with her own children over the years; while arresting their curiosity, she would often paint a picture of her many struggles and successes, describing both love and loss, and defining the hard lessons learned from personal heartbreak. LaPonda ultimately found her way to North Carolina and the story really started to take shape from there and the rest as they say is “history!” It’s in North Carolina that LaPonda gives birth to 2 daughters, Stefany and Jacqueline, followed by a “perfect” baby boy, Brian! It was during Christmas 1976 that she married their “Dad!” And the family was complete! The 2 pretty princesses loved the new little prince, and life, although tough at times, was always held together by the fierce love expressed and the firm loyalty exampled by this lady they called “Mom!” LaPonda would hold many jobs in her life, but her true career and calling was that as an Interpreter for Deaf students at Athens Drive High School for nearly a decade. After losing her husband Ronnie Angel in 1999, LaPonda served as full-time NANA to her 6 grandchildren who were her ultimate pride and joy! No one was more committed and dedicated to their grandchildren than LaPonda! She was a defender, a protector and a teacher to all of them! The grandchildren have debated and contended for years over who was her favorite grandchild, but surprisingly that mystery remains unsolved! LaPonda also cherished her 3 great grandchildren and anticipated the arrival of a 4th, although that meeting has been postponed for now! One of her proudest accomplishments and associations was that she was a long standing member of Raleigh’s Temple of Pentecost! Pastors Wayne Huntley and Bryan Ballastero, along with their wives, were truly second to none in her mind, and even in her final days she requested their audience one last time! That final request was granted. After battling sickness of the body and mind for several years, on February 14, 2023, shortly after 6 am, she received her healing and made her transition into the arms of Jesus! The One she loved more than anything else! She was preceded in death by her parents Bennie and Virginia Pokemire, and brother Danny Pokemire, her husband Ronnie Angel, and countless others who she spoke of often. She is survived by her oldest brother Bennie Joe Pokemire of Sanford, North Carolina. Younger sister Jackie Russell of Tampa, Florida. Daughter Stefany Chance and husband Edward of Phoenix, Arizona. Daughter Jacqueline Chance and husband Kevin. (Her Favorite!!!) of Raleigh, North Carolina. Son Brian Angel and wife Rebecca of Columbia, Mississippi. Grandchildren- Devlin and Johanna Chance, great grandson Nolan. Savannah and Josh Meeks, great granddaughter Sophia Hale and great grandson Isaiah Meeks. Celena Chance and soon to be Simeon! Deryck Knight. Londyn Angel. Parys Angel. Along with a whole host of nieces and nephews, in laws and extended family around the globe! LaPonda will be deeply missed by all, and her absence will create an emptiness that will not soon be filled. She has run her race, but we know that from Glory, she will no doubt cheer each of us on to finish our fight and complete our course the right way! Grateful to celebrate and honor her life, Stefany Jacqueline Brian Online condolences and a guest register are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com