Dianne Ponder Sharpe

Dianne Ponder Sharpe, age 78, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, July 24, 2025, after a yearlong battle with cancer.

Dianne was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. Dianne was born in Madison county on September 24, 1946 and was the daughter of the late Thelma and Velt Ponder.

Survivors include her husband Robert (Bob) Sharpe; her brother, Gordon Ponder and wife Dora; her daughter, Jennifer Townley and husband Rob; and her beloved grandchildren Davis and Madeline Townley. She also leaves behind four children from her blended family that she loved as if they were her own; Mike Sharpe, Lynn Sharpe, Kathy Johnson and Barry Sharpe and wife Leslie; and six grandchildren Curtis Sharpe, Ashlyn Sharpe, Brooke Sharpe, Coleman Johnson, Clay Johnson and Nella Sharpe.

Dianne graduated from North Buncombe High School in 1964 and Western Carolina University in 1968. She began her career working in Insurance and then at Champion Paper Mill. After her daughter was born, she ran a successful car rental business for over twenty years. She also worked on the administrative team at Arden Woods Retirement Community. Additionally she was a dedicated member of the PTA in the Roberson School district and then served as the Roberson District representative on the Buncombe County School Board for ten years.

She and Bob traveled and enjoyed life their entire nineteen years of marriage. February in Florida was their favorite. Friends and family knew Dianne as hard-working, fun and full of love. She found beauty in life everyday and especially loved her garden and flowers. She lived life to the fullest and saw the best in everyone she met.

She leaves behind treasured friends throughout the Asheville community and at Francis Asbury United Methodist Church. She was especially dedicated to her family and served a significant, daily role in raising her grandchildren. She will be missed beyond measure. “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday, August 4, 2025 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian with Rev. Avery White officiating. Friends will be received at the funeral home one hour prior to the service, from 11 AM to 12 PM. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Francis Asbury United Methodist Church,725 Asbury Rd., PO Box 67, Candler, NC 28715 or IC Imagine Charter School, 110 Champion Way, Asheville, NC 28806.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.