Traci Lynne Ponder

Funeral services for Traci Lynne Ponder, 46, will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Bellaire Baptist Church,1210 Bellaire Blvd, Bossier City, Louisiana. Burial will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park, 601 U.S. Hwy 80 East, Haughton, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Officiating the service will be Dr. Randy Harper.

Traci Lynne Ponder, a beloved community member and dedicated professional, passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at the age of 46. She was born on July 14, 1978, in Abbeville, Louisiana, to James Allan Tierney and Mercedes Eve Tierney. She was a proud native of Morgan City, Louisiana, and a graduate of Berwick High School.

Traci’s career spanned various roles in the media, beginning her journey in August of 1997 as a Master Control Operator for KWBJ TV 22. Demonstrating remarkable talent and commitment, she advanced to production duties and eventually transitioned in front of the camera as a news reporter. Her hard work culminated in her promotion to News Director and lead news anchor, where she was known for her professionalism and ability to connect with the community.

In pursuit of broader challenges, Traci left KWBJ to embrace a career in law enforcement media relations. She served with distinction in the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office before moving to Bossier City. In June of 2018, she took on the immensely important role of Public Information Officer for the Bossier Police, Fire, and City, where her impact was felt throughout the community.

Traci was known not just for her professional achievements but also for her warm spirit. She cherished her family, leaving behind her loving husband, Jonathan Ponder, and their two daughters, Valentine, age 9, and Hannah, age 3. Traci's love for her family was a defining aspect of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

In addition to her career, Traci had a passion for photography, gardening, and cooking, which brought her immense joy. Although a native of South Louisiana, she developed a deep affection for North Louisiana and embraced the community that became her home.

Traci will be remembered for her commitment to her career, her dedication to her family, and her vibrant personality that touched the lives of many. Her legacy of kindness and service will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Traci was preceded in death by father, James Tierney; paternal grandparents, Harold and Myrna Bratlie; maternal grandparents, Milton and Loranza Moore, and uncles, James Moore and Eugene Hardy. 

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Jonathan Ponder; children, Valentine Landry and Hannah Ponder, mother, Mercedes Moore Tierney; father-in-law, Randall Ponder; mother-in-law, Sharon Ponder; brother-in-law, Jacob Ponder, sister-in-law, Annalisa Ponder; uncles, Jerry Tierney, Jeff Tierney and Sheryl (Wife), Peter Bratlie and Toni (Wife); aunts, Gracie Moore Hardy, Beth Moore, Lynne Bratlie Beiler and Jon (Husband); niece, Katie Ponder; nephew, Braxton Ponder; best friend, Damara McCorkle; Teresa Landry and a host of many extended family and friends.

Honoring Traci as pallbearers will be Honor Guards of St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bossier City Police, and Bossier City Fire Department. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Shreveport City Marshal’s Office. 

Special thanks to Dr. Scott McRight and Dr. Robert Massingill and the staff of Willis Knighton Pierremont, Cornerstone Specialty Hospital, and Christus Hospice Shreveport-Bossier.

The family suggests memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or Shriners Hospitals for Children, www.shrinerschildren.org