Elva May Pounders, 86, passed away on August 24, 2026. She was born in Sawyerwood, Ohio. She lived in Springfield Township, Akron, Ohio. Elva graduated from Springfield Local Schools. She entered the Marine Corp in 1960. She served 20 years active duty and 10 years reserve, retiring as a 1st Sergeant. After retiring from the military she worked for Mil-Pak/OGS until she officially retired.

After retirement she was an active volunteer in the Woman Marine Association, Women Across the Nation, Marine Corp League, American Legion, VFW 3383, Governor's Advisory Committee to Women Veterans, Summit County Stand Down, and many more. She volunteered over 13,000 hours at the Akron Veterans Clinic. Due to her generous efforts for various veterans organizations, she was selected as Summit County Veteran of the Year, inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, and received many other commendations.

In addition to her tireless support of veterans, she volunteered in the Springfield Community supporting the Police, Fire, and Schools. Elva led the creation of the Springfield Veterans Memorial on the lakefront, relocated and rededicated the Gold Star Mothers Rock, and coordinated Springfield Memorial Day ceremonies for many years. She attended monthly dinners with the Springfield High School graduating class of 1958. With the help of her sister and niece, established the Pounders Family Reading Initiative to support children at Spring Hill Elementary, providing students with needed books, supplies, and clothing.

Elva will always be remembered and loved for her caring and selfless nature. She put anyone at ease. She loved her family and community fiercely and unconditionally.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Braxton and Emily Pounders and her siblings, Braxton Pounders Jr., Francis Amuso, Hugh Jack Pounders, and George Pounders. She is survived locally by her sister Marilyn Cunningham, niece Tabitha Cunningham Radzik (David Radzik), and grandniece Josephine Cunningham. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews across the country.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Spring Hill Parent Teacher Group to provide books and clothing to students in need.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 26th from 12:00-4:00pm

at Spring Hill Elementary School

660 Lessig Avenue Akron, OH 44312

She will have a private Marine Corp burial at a later date.