Dorothy Marie Chandler Ponder was born on 20 August 1940 t o Lucille Riser and Arthur Chandler in Gatesville, Oklahoma.  She spent her early years on her grandmother's farm, side by side with her big brother, Dennis Marshall, Jr.  She is preceded in death by her parents Arthur Chandler and Lucille Smoote, husband Leslie B. Ponder and brother Dennis Marshall, Jr.

Dorothy married Chester A. Shipps in 1962.  She was later married to Leslie B. Ponder for 30 plus years. She moved to Los Angeles, California in November of 1966 where she worked in various managerial and clerical positions.  In 1973 she continued her career in Tulsa, Oklahoma working in claims at Reading and Bates Oil Company and as a claims processer for Travelers Insurance Company.  After she retired from Travelers, Dorothy joined an expert team of Insurance contractors and traveled the nation processing and correcting claims for major United States companies.

She found Christ at an early age. She was a long time member of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma for thirty eight years. She served on the Usher and Mission board, culinary assistant, church secretary for several years.

Dorothy graduated from Booker T. Washington at the age of sixteen. She remained very active with the 1957 graduating class of Booker T. Washington High School, where she held office and participated in most of her beloved class events until her health began to fail.

On Sunday, April 22, 2018, the Lord called the roll and "Dorothy's" name was on it. She closed her eyes and took hold to the Master's hand walked on in.

She is survived by her 3 children, Pamela Hunter-Pickett, Marguerite Peebles, Raymond Shipps Sr. (Gloria), her God son and beloved caretaker, Derrick Davis; two sisters, Madien Hurst, Ramona Smoote; two brothers, Artie Smoote, II and Ralph Smoote;  Eleven grandchildren, Roderick Shipps, Stephenie Smallwood, Phoebe Meduri, Rikita Peebles, Raymond A. Shipps Jr., Skylar Smallwood, Pamela Lynn, Dez Ward, Ecleas Peebles III., Michelle Peebles and Jalicia Shipps; fourteen great-grandchildren;  a host of nieces, nephews and family members.  She also leaves to cherish her memory, best friend Ms. Earnestine Manuel, lifelong friend Mrs. Willie Callaway, beloved neighbors, Ms. Edna Gibbs and Ms. Doris Hill.

Services will be Thursday May 3, 2018 at 11AM at Gethsamane Baptist Church in Tulsa.  Public viewing will also be held prior to the service at 10:00am-10:45am, The closing of the Bier will commence directly before the service.

Visitation for Ms. Ponder will be on Wednesday from 1PM until 7PM in The Tulsa Chapel.