DESCRIBED as a “true Kirtonian” from a family with a long history in the town, who had lived within 100 yards of where she was born, and who had a passion for the town, Gillian Ann Ponsford had died on September 15, not many weeks after her 80th birthday in July.

Speaking at the funeral service for Gillian at Crediton Parish Church on October 4, Rev Preb Nigel Guthrie, said she had given tremendous service to the town.

Crediton Town Band, of which she was past President, played “The Lord is My Shepherd” as the funeral procession entered the church and then “Young Amadeus” as everyone left.

A Bible reading was given by Mike Palmer who had been headteacher at Hayward’s School for 16 years when Gillian worked there.  They had both been Trustees of the school and he had remained a friend.

Other tributes were by Gillian’s son, Alastair and four grandsons, who all received applause.

Preb Guthrie said how Gillian’s grandfather, mother, herself, her children and two of her four grandchildren had all gone to Hayward’s.

The school had sent a hand-made table centre for the refreshments at Crediton Rugby Club after the service, saying she would be truly missed by the Hayward’s “family”.

Mr Guthrie said that from Hayward’s, then Crediton High School for Girls, Gillian had done her nursing training at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital when it was on Southernhay, Exeter.

She had a great love of music, which included playing the piano at school assemblies, for school productions, for Crediton Rugby Club pantomimes and at the annual Senior Citizens’ Christmas party.

She had supported Crediton Town Band since it was reformed in the 1980s and was proud that her great uncle had played in the original Town Band.

She had joined Crediton Town Council in 1981, always serving as an Independent, was Mayor four times, fighting for many things during the 20 years she was on the council, including a swimming pool for Lords Meadow Leisure Centre, thrilled when the pool was built.

Supporter of a bypass for the town had included lobbying the then Transport Minister with a cream tea and strawberries from her garden.

She had been the heart and soul of many family gatherings, was a wonderful neighbour and gave tremendous service to the town.

Mr Guthrie added that Gillian was confirmed and married in the parish church.

Her son, Alastair, spoke for all the family when he said: “To many, Mum was Mrs Crediton but to us she was our rock, our cheer-leader and our guiding light through whatever storms life might bring.

“Mum was fiercely loyal and always offered her wise words when we needed them most but always with love in her heart.”

One of her grandsons, Theo Whish, said it was the effect she had on people that had made her so lovely, bringing charm, love and happiness into the lives of her family.

Two other grandsons, Bertie and Ted Ponsford, shared a poem of what she meant to them including rock ’n’ roll dancer, sparkly earrings wearer and “most of all, our magnificent Mama.”

Gill’s husband, Norman, said Gill had known Labour MP Ben Bradshaw for a long time and the family had very much appreciated his message saying that Gill had taught him a lot about how to be a successful politician and stay human when he was a young reporter covering Town Council meetings.

Norman added that the family much appreciate all the very many cards and messages they had received.

Gill was interred at Crediton Cemetery, by coincidence in the area that had been consecrated by the Bishop of Crediton when Gill was town Mayor.

Refreshments were at Crediton Rugby Club with donations in Gillian’s memory to Shelterbox, a charity she had supported since the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004.

Shelterbox had thanked Gill for her generosity and kindness over the years. Donations may still be made through A White and Sons, Albert Road, Crediton EX17 2BZ.