Ashley Ponder Worthy

Ashley Ponder Worthy, 49, of Newberry died unexpectantly on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Born on January 11, 1977, in Spartanburg, she was a daughter of Colleen Thornton Ponder and the late Martin F. Ponder.

Ashley grew up in Union, SC and later moved to Newberry as she began her work as a dispatch officer with the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. After 20 years, she transitioned to the Clerk of Court Office with the Newberry County's 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Ashley impacted many during her years in public service and was proud to work alongside so many great people, especially those in her “first responders’ community.”

Affectionately known as Rosebud, Lei-Lei, and Atchy, Ashley loved to sing and dance; she loved to find humor even in tough times, and she loved animals from the biggest to the smallest. Above all else she loved her family and never missed an opportunity to tell them- whether through her special nicknames or her famous “I love your face” when she saw you.

Her acts of kindness extended beyond just her friends and families - to her community and strangers alike. Even in death, Ashley chose to provide healing and hope to others by being an organ donor.

She had a strong faith and leaned into the comfort and promise of Jesus, her Lord and Savior, during both the ‘mountain tops and the valleys’ of life. Her legacy will be sharing that faith with others and sharing the Good News of the Gospel.

In addition to her mother, Ashley is survived by her husband, Britt Worthy; siblings, Amy Palmer (Todd) of Union, Brian Ponder (Diane Stebbins) of Prosperity, and Daniel Ponder of Union; children, Madelyn Nicole Worthy and Jarrett William Worthy; her best friend of 38 years, Amber Carvalho; nieces, “her girls” Kayla and Lindsay Koon and Linda K. “Katie” Ponder; nephew, Josh Ponder; great-nephew who was her world, Rhett Koon; and numerous extended family members. She is also survived by her many beloved pets.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Newberry Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Todd Palmer, Daniel Floyd, Jeremiah Sinclair, Scottie Koon, Dalton Reynolds, and Bobby Reynolds.

The family will be at the residence of her nieces, Kayla and Lindsey Koon, 959 Counts Sausage Road, Prosperity, SC 29127.

In honor of Ashley’s profound love of animals, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to a local animal shelter of your choosing.

Memories and messages may be shared with Ashley’s family on her tribute page.

Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is honored to service the family of Ashley Ponder Worthy.