Barbara (Wilson) Edwards Hanson

Spreading our wings, we’re attempting to fly, Above your life’s story as it rushes by, Skimming the surface to glimpse, if we try, The way you lived life, and to understand why! Barbara Joan Wilson was welcomed into this world by her parents, William Wilson, and Mary Freeman, on March 12th, 1937. Grandparents were an important part of Barbara’s young life. She also enjoyed fun on a small farm, and classes in a one-room schoolhouse. At age 14, Barbara visited a United Pentecostal Church with three junior high friends. She opened her heart to God, was baptized in Jesus’ name, and later received the Holy Ghost. She spoke of what a wonderful experience that was. Neva was one of the three girls, and they became friends for life. 4 ½ years after that experience, Barbara met and dated a young man named Roger Edwards. On November 24th, 1956, they were married. God did not see fit to bless them with children. In 1965, God asked Roger if he’d be willing to preach the gospel and go to Hong Kong. Roger said yes. He immediately set out to prepare for his call. As God led, and doors opened, the Edwards moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, so Roger could attend Apostolic Bible Institute. Gary and Linda Reed were another couple at the school. Upon graduating, the two couples made plans to start a church in Laramie, Wyoming. The Edwards arrived first, bought a house, and began reaching out to people. Following a music tour, the Reeds joined them. People obeyed the gospel, a building was purchased, and God blessed their teamwork. Roger served as a district youth president, and a chaplain of the Rawlings, Wyoming prison during this time. 1 ½ years later, the Reeds moved to Sheridan, Wyoming, to start another church. Roger was reminded of his call to Hong Kong. He followed good advice, by applying to the UPCI Foreign Missions Board. As part of the transition, the Edwards moved to Rawlins, Wyoming. They received approval, attended a School of Missions, and began traveling to share their burden for Hong Kong, and gain financial support. We next find them flying to Hong Kong, handling business, securing housing, and beginning their study of the Cantonese language. They taught Bible studies, located a building to hold services, and started to broadcast a daily radio segment, which reached out to millions in Hong Kong and southern China. Throughout this time, several other missionaries moved to Hong Kong. Each accepted responsibilities, shared the workload, and offered support. Chinese people, and others were having their lives changed. The church was growing, and many wonderful things happened. The Edwards also returned to the U.S. on several occasions. Once for a funeral, sometimes to travel for continued support, and more than once due to Roger’s health. As early as 1961, Roger was diagnosed with a thyroid problem. He later developed a form of Hepatitis. Weakness, infection, surgery, rest periods, and multiple hospitalizations surfaced during all their years of ministry together. He entered the Bloomington hospital on May 24th, 1983. A few days later, Barbara spent the night in his room. When she woke up about 5:00 a.m., Roger had passed away. It was May 28, 1983. His funeral was a great tribute to him. Barbara was soon back in Bloomington, grieving, buying a car, finding a place to live, and getting a job. She had an offer to come work at Apostolic Bible Institute but needed time to adjust. In August 1984, she received another offer for ABI. This time she accepted. She moved into a one-bedroom apartment in the school dorm. She supervised a women’s dorm and taught a Foreign Missions class. 1985 was the year that Barbara met Kathy Hanson, a student at ABI. When Kathy was planning to return for another year at ABI, her mom passed away. She was reluctant to leave her dad by himself, but he encouraged her to continue her schooling. Barbara tried to be a friend to Kathy. December 1987, Barbara received a beautiful Christmas card from Kathy’s Dad (Harold), with a letter inside. Harold thanked Barbara for being so kind to his daughter and listening to her when she needed it. Both Harold and Barbara knew they wanted to marry again. Kathy recognized their interest in each other, and the rest is history. They married June 25th, 1988, and she became Barbara Hanson. After their honeymoon, Barbara helped Kathy prepare for her own wedding. Barbara served faithfully beside her husband in their local church, volunteered at a local hospital, and took on a new stepfamily: five children and their spouses, plus some grandchildren. In time, more grandchildren, and some great grandchildren would be added. Harold took an early retirement, so they traveled, visited family & friends, and attended some conferences. Harold was discovered to have a serious health problem, in 1996, and there was no cure. August 2001, he was hospitalized. He passed away September 6th, 2001, surrounded by family. Running a snowblower, taking care of a family-sized house, and staying there without family, wasn’t an option for Barbara. She decided to sell and move but wasn’t sure where. Mary, a friend from St. Louis, called with a suggestion to consider moving there. Once all was finalized, Barbara and Denise (Kathy’s sister) drove to St. Louis, after which Denise flew back home to Helena, Montana. Barbara purchased a condo during a previous trip. She was now 240 miles from her hometown of Bloomington. She made 16 visits there during the first 3 years in St. Louis. In 2005, Barbara wrote: “I’m struggling with health problems. I like to look for God in things that happen. We know He’s in control, but He will let us go our own way if we insist. I am trying to let Him lead and I am trying to follow.” While in St. Louis, Barbara volunteered for World Network of Prayer. She helped with her church’s Compassion Ministry, visited those in a nursing home, took part in the church senior’s group, and met with other widows. She volunteered at Gateway/Urshan College. She grocery shopped for a senior, took people to medical appointments, and more! On Monday, October 24th, 2022, Barbara departed this world for a much better one! She left behind a stepfamily of five children & spouses, plus grandchildren & great grandchildren; her two brothers Philip Wilson and Bill (Kathy) Wilson, both of Bloomington; and several nieces & nephews. The family would like to express our appreciation to Mary Loudermilk for her faithful friendship to our stepmom through the years. We’re thankful to Joe and Rose Benefield, for all their assistance with Mom’s last few transitions. Our gratitude goes to Kent Russell, son of her lifelong friend Neva, for continuing to be her friend and for his visits with her. Visitation will be held at Allen Funeral Home, 4155 S Old Indiana 37 in Bloomington, on November 10th, 2022, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will start at 12:00 (noon), followed by a procession to the Valhalla Memory Gardens, 310 N Johnson Ave. in Bloomington, for a brief song and prayer. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to consider sending a donation to a UPCI missions project, or to something else you believe would honor Barbara’s life. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.coj

Tributes

Barbara (Wilson) Edwards Hanson

March 12, 1937 - October 24, 2022