Wanda Edwards

In the Spring of Thursday, March 10, 1949, a beautiful baby girl, who was named Wanda Jean Hill was born to the union of Jake Hill and Susie (Smallwood) Hill in Wichita, KS. Wanda was one of eight children. When her mother, Susie became ill, Wanda had to move with her grandmother, Pearl Reed, who lived in Texas. She would remain there along with two of her other siblings, Emma and Jake, Jr., until the death of her grandmother, Pearl Reed. She and her sibling were then brought to live with their grandfather, Charlie Hill and his, wife, Arra, in Wichita, KS. Wanda grew up attending public schools. She graduated from Wichita East High School. Wanda then went on to receive her AA degree from Wichita State University.
Her grandmother Arra was one of the mothers at Martin Temple C.O.G.I.C. (Church of God in Christ). It was here that Wanda was introduced to Martin Temple C.O.G.I.C., under the direction of Pastor A.W. Martin. Wanda Jean received the gift of the holy ghost at a young age and never looked back.
As a teenager, Wanda met Mother Lucile Smith at Mount Olive C.O.G.I.C. She was so impressed with her that she soon began to want to follow in her footsteps. A young Wanda soon moved into the home of Elder Joseph and Mother Smith, where she was treated as their daughter until her marriage. Wanda would later leave Mount Olive C.O.G.I.C. to attended St. Mark Cathedral C.O.G.I.C. under the direction of Pastor Joseph C. Gilkey, Sr. Wanda was a soldier for the Lord. She worked tirelessly to help the church to raise funds. She was always coming up with fundraisers. Wanda was a true asset to her church home in every way. She was fully committed to the work of the Lord in every way.
Wanda met and married a young Minister by the name of Sherman Edwards on November 1, 1970, and the rest is history. They have been an inseparable and dynamic team for 54 years. Two children were born from their union, Leon, and Wendolyn. They started their own ministry. They named their church, 23rd Psalms Church of Deliverance C.O.G.I.C. First Lady Wanda Edwards continued to be a beacon of love, hope and kindness to all who meet her. Her favorite words to us were, "I love All of you!", with a beautiful smile and sparkle in her eyes to match. Her love was all inclusive.
First Lady Edwards was always busy working for the Lord. She never stopped or gave up until the job was done. Wanda was the founder and president of Sickle Cell of America and the only chapter recognized nationally here in Wichita, KS. She was also a member of the C.C.F. (The Collaborative for Children and Families) health organization.
Wanda worked various jobs throughout her lifetime including Beech Aircraft, Boeing and Cessna. She was also an entrepreneur who was both founder and creator of J's Designs. She sold her original designs for many years. What you may not know is that her original designs and products were sold all over the world, including to military men and women. She worked as hard now, as she did in her youth. Wanda was always coming up with new ideas for beautiful and unique things to catch everyone's eye.
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025 a golden heart stopped beating when Wanda Jean Hill-Edwards heard the Lord call her name. She made her journey from earth to everlasting to be with her natural parents, Jake and Susie Hill; her spiritual parents, Joseph and Lucile Smith; brothers, Raymond Thornton, Melvin Hill, Charles Hill, Richard Hill; and one sister, Thema (Hill) Fisher.
Wanda leaves to cherish her life's memories; her beloved husband of 54 years, Elder Sherman Edwards; one son, Leon (Raisha) Edwards; one daughter, Wendolyn (Jermaine) Phillips; siblings, Emma Davis and Jake Hill, Jr.; Grandchildren Kevion, Dylan, Chatara, Cydney, Lakenya, Kenneth; GreatGrandchildren Jayla, Jeremiah, Cayden; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends who loved her and will miss her dearly.
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