Bonnie Joan Hanson

Bonnie Joan Hanson, a native of Clear Lake, Iowa and a long time resident of Clarkesville, Georgia, died peacefully on Friday, January 29, 2010. Beloved by family and friends, Bonnie Hanson was born June 20, 1929. She was the daughter of Lester and Beth Hanson. She was a member of the Alliance Church in Toccoa, Georgia and was active as long as her health permitted. She was a godly, dedicated, gifted lady who was both an artist and a writer. In 1979, Bonnie joined forces with her missionary co-worker, Alline Marshall and together they purchased a 55 acre measure of property known as Fellowship Valley on Bear Gap Road in Habersham County, Georgia. Their ministry on the property was incorporated under the name of "Faith Ventures" The property was paid for within 10 years due to answered prayers and God supplying their needs. Over a period of 30 years, God brought people to Fellowship Valley to learn of Him. Later, Hanna Foerster and Emma Wisser, already 30 year missionaries, joined Bonnie and Alline on staff to begin an outreach ministry to international college students representing over 81 nations. It was believed if those students could return to their own countries they would make the best missionaries to deliver the good news of the gospel. Prior to Bonnie's death, a decision was made to bring "The Mustard Seed", a Christian family, counseling center already serving Northeast Georgia in 6 locations, to locate at Fellowship Valley. To provide family counseling, regardless of what one can afford, would be an answer to Bonnie and Alline's prayer. In addition to her parents, Bonnie was preceded in death by two brothers, Neal Hanson and David Hanson. Survivors include one brother, Larry Hanson of Green River, Utah, three sisters, Betty Blick of Sulton, Washington, Jo Ellen Carpenter of Clear Lake, Iowa, and Joyce Stille of Swaledale, Iowa, and two aunts, Opal (Hanson Pierce) and Theone (Hanson) Wood. Bonnie is also survived by her faithful friends and co-workers, Alline Marshall, Hanna Foerster, Josephine Ragano, Tom Gregory and Jody Thompson. Bonnie Hanson was buried quietly on the property of Fellowship Valley at her request. A memorial service will be held on February 13, 2010 in the dining hall at Fellowship Valley at 1:00 P.M. Friends are cordially invited. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Fellowship Valley, 1212 Bear Gap Road, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523. Those who wish to express condolences to the family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, GA is in charge of arrangements.