Wilzie Rean Ponds was born in Atkins, Pope County, Arkansas, to the union of Walker Sanders Templeton and Abel Brown on October 10, 1941. She was the youngest of twelve children who preceded her in death. In order of birth, there was: Percy Olin, Ruth Idolia, Ella Mae, Walker Anvie, Alexander, Hober Joseph, Viola Margaree, Henrietta Virginia, Aloria Laconia, Charlie Wilburray, Ralph Shedrick, and Goldie Wilzierean. At an early age, Wilzie Rean had professed her faith in Christ and was baptized at St. Matthews Baptist Church No.3 in Blackwell, Arkansas, under the leadership of Reverend D.W Reddick. Growing up in the Happy Bend community, she began her formal education in the old Happy Bend Schoolhouse. She attended L.W Sullivan High School in Morrilton, Arkansas, where she met her future husband, Charles Allen Ponds. Wilzie Rean graduated from L.W Sullivan High School in the Class of 1960. She was united in Holy Matrimony to her former classmate and high school sweetheart, Charles A. Ponds, on May 29, 1960, at St. Matthews Baptist Church No.3 in Blackwell, Arkansas, by Reverend G.W Graves. Shortly after their marriage, the newlyweds migrated to Rockford, Illinois, searching for employment opportunities. While Wilzie Rean found employment working at a dry cleaner, Charles had begun working for Nabisco. To this union, three children were born. The couple welcomed a son, Charles Allen “Dunnie” Ponds Jr., on April 26, 1965. Their family was complete after the arrival of their daughter, Avanell Sheree “Beebe” Ponds, on April 20, 1966. The Ponds had made the Southside of Chicago their home. Wilzie Rean had become a member of Greater Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church in 1970 under the leadership of Rev. Napoleon Watkins. In addition to her strong faith, she lent her voice to the church choir, where she sang alto. She served in numerous roles throughout her tenure, including Vice President, Chair, and Sargent of Arms of the choir. In 1986, she had begun her career with Soft Sheen, where she had worked out of a workhouse. By 1999, Wilzie Rean had relocated to Kentucky following the acquisition of Soft Sheen Products by L’Oreal. She retired in 2006, at the age of 65. Wilzie Rean shared a deep love for her family and friends. To those who knew her best, she was a joyous spirit that could bring a smile to your face. In her lifetime, she relished the roles of daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. In her pastime, she enjoyed completing word searches and listening to gospel music and was always home in time to watch her soap operas. She loved Blues music and was a collector of elephant figurines. On Wednesday, July 20, 2022, Wilzie Rean, affectionately known as “Goldie,” “Mama,” “Granny,” and “Taunti Rean,” was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Wilzie Rean was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, former husband, and sons (Andrew and Charles Jr.). She leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted daughter, and caretaker, Avanell Ponds of Elsmere, Kentucky. Her loving granddaughters Teneca Sheree Ponds of Hebron, Kentucky and Chakarah Renee Ponds of Elsmere, Kentucky. Her great-grandchildren, Zaire Allen and Nye’airah Sheree Ponds, her loving sister-in-law and friend, Quinzella Templeton of Chicago, Illinois and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. A Visitation will be held on Friday, July 29, 2022, from 1:00 P.M. until the Funeral Service at 2:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church of Elsmere, 1007 Garvey Road, Elsmere, KY 41018. Online condolences may be expressed on Facebook or at SerenityFuneralCare.com