Frankie Douglas Dean Ponce

Frankie Douglas "Birdie" Dean Ponce of Raleigh, North Carolina passed away suddenly from intermittent intestinal atresia on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Frankie Douglas was born at Rex Women's Center on January 26, 2026, to David Redden Ponce and Deming Minetree McDowell-Ponce. 

While Birdie girl was only here for a short time, she left a big impact on her parents and particularly on her Lulu, Tootie, and Grandpa. She taught her family about a love so pure and strong that their hearts are forever changed for the better. Frankie Douglas was the sweetest baby with the biggest cheeks and roundest face, who loved to nap with hands up by her head, the same way she entered the world. Her parents have comfort in knowing that their precious gift from God has returned home to His loving arms. They will always cherish the best ten days they were given with her and continue to share her memory and joyous spirit with others. Fly high Birdie girl, fly high, the stars will always shine for you. 

Frankie Douglas is survived by her parents, David Redden Ponce & Deming Minetree McDowell-Ponce as well as her loyal puppy, Wallace. She is also remembered by her maternal grandparents, Douglas & Xan McDowell, her paternal grandmother, Karen S. Ponce, her Aunt Abby McDowell (Brandon), uncles Francisco de Paula Ponce V (Monica) and Daniel Ponce (Sarah), in addition to her cousins Arlo, Kailyn, and Carson, and many other loving family members. She is preceded in death by two of her namesakes, her grandfather Francisco de Paula Ponce IV and her great uncle Gilbert Dean Bennett in addition to her great grandparents, Jim & Lucy Saunders, Doctor Henry & Jane Bongardt, Gil & Bobbie Bennett, Francisco & Argentina Ponce, and Marshall & Ellen-Deming McDowell. 

There will be a service to celebrate Birdie's short life held on Saturday, February 14th at 10:00 AM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road Raleigh, NC 27604. Flowers are welcome, or memorial gifts honoring Frankie Douglas' life may be directed to the Raleigh Boys and Girls Clubs.