Serving as Ward 2 Councilperson, Melinda’s focus will be:
- Promoting unity
- Being a good steward of resources
- Identifying economic development opportunities for the Valdese community
- Continued progress on the public safety facilities
- Supporting the hardworking town employees
“I have a continued desire to serve the community where I grew up and call home. I’ve learned so much since my January appointment and I look forward to working with staff and members of the incoming Council to move our town in a positive direction.” Melinda
Background
Melinda was born February 3, 1967 in Valdese to Johnny and Rhea Pons. Her great-grandfather, Cesar Pons, arrived in Valdese in August 1893 as part of the second group of immigrants from the Cottian Alps, Italy. Melinda has 3 siblings, Chris Pons, Debbie Britt, and the late John D. “Mogey” Pons.
Melinda married her husband, Barry, in 1993, and they have 2 sons, Tyler and Bradley. Tyler and his wife, Estelle, live in Morganton. Bradley is a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and is engaged to Karley O’Connell of Greensboro.
Melinda attended Valdese Elementary and Junior High Schools and graduated in 1985 from East Burke High School. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated from the Eshelman School of Pharmacy in 1990. In 2021, Melinda retired from Broughton Hospital where she worked as staff pharmacist and Director of Pharmacy.
“Except for the 5 years of college time and 3 years of work in the Greensboro area, I’ve called Valdese ‘home’. Growing up, I thought my life journey would lead me to a bigger town or city, but circumstances led me back to Valdese where I met my husband and our family journey was on its way! In recent weeks, it’s occurred to me that I’ve lived or spent many hours in all 5 wards of Valdese. I was born and raised in Ward 4 on Sunset Street (now an avenue); started our married life in Ward 1 and now currently reside in Ward 2; my best friend lived in Ward 5 where I spent many a day and my mother-in-law lives in Ward 3, so I don’t consider myself from one area or part of Valdese. I will represent all residents who call Valdese ‘home’.” -Melinda
Melinda attends First United Methodist Church in Valdese where she serves as church treasurer and is a choir member, United Women in Faith treasurer and Circle 2 member, and co-teacher for children’s Sunday School class. She is co-coordinator for the Backpack Ministry and organizes the team who serves at Burke United Christian Ministries soup kitchen. Melinda also serves as the church’s “chef”, preparing and serving weekly fellowship meals and participates in Dinner Church activities.
Melinda is on the board of the Waldensian Heritage Foundation and volunteers at the Waldensian Museum. She also serves on the museum’s Program and Genealogy committees.
