Verda May Poulson

Loving Wife, Devoted Mother, Faithful Servant

Mrs. P, Mama P, Mom, Grandma P, Great Grandma

Teacher, Mentor, Advisor, Counsellor, Consoler,

Feeder of the Masses, Gardener,

Prayer Warrior

 

Mrs. Verda Poulson,

widow of Rev. Dr. Ernest N Poulson, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, 26 April 2022.

Mrs. Poulson is remembered fondly by 3 daughters ― Sharon, Sandra and Siang.

Sharon is married to Colin Woodland. They live in England have a son and a daughter: Daniel and his wife, Julie, have two sons, Robert and Toby. Ruth and her husband, Craig, also have two sons, Joseph and Caleb. Sandra, who lives in California, USA, has a son and a daughter, Theo and Esther. Siang, a native Singaporean, lived with the Poulsons for more than 40 years and has been their primary caregiver for the last 19. After Dr. P passed away in 2017, Siang became Verda’s constant companion as well as caregiver. Mrs. Poulson was known to many as Mrs. P, Mom, Mama P, Grandma P or Great-Grandma. She will be missed even as we rejoice that she is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, finally free of her pain, illness and limitations.

 

The Early Years:

Known to us as Mrs. Poulson or Mrs. P, as Verda to Dr. P and as Verda May to her mother and sister, she was “mom” or “grandma” to hundreds, and now “great grandma” to the younger generation. She grew up and met her high school sweetheart, Ernie in Arizona. They married and moved to California when Dr. P went to Biola Bible College. While there, they had two daughters, Sharon and Sandra. They were married for 71 years. Dr. & Mrs. P were members of Church of the Open Door, in California, USA. This was their sending church when they came as missionaries to Singapore in 1953. The original plan of missionary work in Indonesia became a long term stay in Singapore when their visas were turned down. That same week Singapore issued them Permanent Resident visas, a clear sign of where they were meant to serve. In the earlier years her ministry was at home with her daughters, first home schooling, and later supporting them in their school events. She was amongst the early pioneers of the Singapore American School. Missionaries from Indonesia, on transit to and from home and the field would stay at the Poulsons’ home, affectionately nicknamed “Poulsons’ Institute for the Destitute.” She also taught Sunday School at Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church for a season and helped the beginning of International Baptist Church.

 

Empty-Nester to Retirement Years:

After her daughters left home, Mrs. Poulson became a sponsor at two schools: Raffles Girls’ School through Youth for Christ (YFC) and Singapore Chinese Girls’ School through Scripture Union. Many of those girls have been in touch over the years. When the Poulsons were invited to live on campus at Singapore Bible College in 1977, being “mother” to the students became her ministry. She also took upon herself the role of gardener and landscaper of the campus until she retired in the mid 90s. All the alumni of the time will remember her trademark ― a white towel around her neck. After that she turned to her own garden and the community garden in the neighbourhood where she lived. She had always been involved teaching the children at Grace Baptist Church. For many years she also ministered to the wives of the leaders of Grace Baptist Church. She had a weekly Bible class with them and drove to pick up those without transport. She did that until Dr. P stepped down from being counsellor, and later Pastor, at Grace. While Dr. P ministered the Word of God, counselled, officiated weddings, she was his faithful helpmeet, serving refreshments and extending hospitality. She also enjoyed creating bridal bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres and floral bouquets for many weddings.

 

Limitations and Illnesses:

Sitting still was hard for Mrs. Poulson; arthritis and a series of health issues forced her to slow down in her senior years. She refused to give in and fought old age from many fronts. This often presented major challenges for her caregivers. Treatment for colon cancer in 2004 took a toll. Her general health started to decline. Over the years, worsening arthritis as well as two hip and one knee replacements imposed more limitations. Finally, a fall with a fracture of her left arm, necessitated hiring a live-in caregiver. The lord brought Dynah into the Poulson home in 2015. Her skill, patience and gentleness with “Grandma” have been invaluable. After Dr. Poulson passed on in 2017, Mrs. P held up well until 2019. With many trips in and out of hospital with urinary tract infections, the doctors decided to do a scan and scope. They discovered a growth in the bladder. Having experienced one round of chemo, she opted for leaving things in the hands of God. By then she was already 93. When Dr. P passed on, Siang became Mrs. P’s companion, taking her to church and on weekly outings—dinner, breakfast by the beach, botanic gardens or the reservoir. Others of the family were able to make occasional visits. Unfortunately, as her conditioned worsened, coupled with pandemic restrictions, church attendance, outings and visits became impossible.

 

The Final Days:

In 2021, Mrs. P’s condition deteriorated to the point that she was put on Home Hospice Care. This was a tremendous help to Mrs. P and her caregivers. A doctor and nurse visited weekly and made themselves available for help and support at any time. She was in constant pain but tolerated it so well the doctor called her “Madam Tahan” (Tahan=tolerate). She always told the doctor she was “fine” and not in pain, so he was dubbed “the antidote.” Through it all, she maintained her sense of humor, and particularly enjoyed these jokes. Since the middle of March 2022, she had been sleeping most of the day, mercifully unaware of the pain while asleep. She was also weakening; transferring from bed to chair with help was difficult and finally impossible. On 10th April the doctor confined her to bed, and she finally allowed herself to stop fighting. From then on it was steady decline, with all efforts made to keep her comfortable and pain free. On 11th April she started talking about going to heaven. On 18th April Dr. Lee held a Zoom call with the daughters, preparing them for their mother’s imminent passing. On 20th she awoke to a surprise when her granddaughter Esther flew in from USA to see her and lend a helping hand.

Speech became more and more difficult, but smiles told her family, friends and caregivers she appreciated their attention. She enjoyed the daily calls from her girls until the end. One of her greatest joys in the final weeks was listening to old hymns. We would sing hymns to her and when she was able she whispered along with us. She suffered a lot and we are thankful that she is now free of all pain, freed from all limitations. We will miss her but those who know her will hold their own memories of her. Her final wish, as that of Dr. P, were to see those who were dear to her but who have not known Jesus come to acknowledge His saving grace. Mrs. Poulson requested that we honor her desire for dignity and privacy in sharing information about her final months and days. Much has been omitted for this reason. Please do not ask for further information.

Compiled by Koh Siang Kiang, God daughter and caregiver

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Wake and Funeral Details:

• The wake will be held from 27-29 Apr 2022 at Grace Baptist Church, 17 Mattar Road
• Cremation is on Friday 29/4/22 5.15pm Mandai Hall 3
• Casket leaves the wake at 4.15pm
• Please view the events page for details