Wenhong Xu （徐文洪）was born on September 17, 1967, in Nanchang, China. She was a loving daughter, a diligent student, a beloved college teacher, an outstanding scientist, a devoted wife, a caring mother, and a faithful Christian sister. Throughout her life, she touched the hearts of many people, leaving lasting impressions on those she encountered on her life’s journey from China to America.

Wenhong entered Shanghai Medical University (上海医科大学) in 1985 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacology in 1990. From 1990 to 1993, she served as an instructor at Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine (江西中药学院), where she began her career in teaching and science research. It was there that after much practice, she won the teachers’ race on sports day.

In 1993, Wenhong began her doctoral studies in Pharmacology at Peking Union Medical College and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences （北京协和医学院药物研究所）. She received her Ph.D. in 1997. She then came to Johns Hopkins University as a postdoctoral researcher.

During her postdoctoral research, Wenhong made a breakthrough discovery demonstrating the cytoprotective role of Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels in the inner mitochondrial membrane of the heart. This important work was published in Science, one of the world's most prestigious scientific journals, where she was honored as first author. Her achievement reflected her exceptional scientific ability and perseverance.

During this period of time at Johns Hopkins, she was blessed by knowing the Lord Jesus and accepted Him as her Lord and Savior. She met Feng Qian, then also a postdoctoral fellow at the same floor. She married him on May 29, 1999 and gave birth to two daughters, Lucia on October 5, 2000 and Angela on October 22, 2001. Wenhong faithfully served the Lord and labored with her husband to advance the gospel. She was a beloved Sunday school teacher. She was outgoing and hospitable. She was a loving and beloved sister in the Lord and to her colleagues at Johns Hopkins, and later, the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She started a new adventure as a medical translator and enjoyed the freedom of traveling around the Baltimore area supporting patients, who would sometimes invite her to their homes. She loved her husband wholeheartedly and supported him in his work as a principal investigator with all her heart and mind. She cut his hair and folded his shirts impeccably in the marriage. She was his helper and mate as well as his critique. During the COVID pandemic, she gave N-95 masks to the needy and initiated a sisters’ hiking group. She kept the home in neat shape and transformed it into a cozy and comfortable place.

She enjoyed travels to China and Europe as well as within the US and Canada numerous times with her kids from ages elementary to high school. She raised and nurtured her two daughters and supported them tirelessly and selflessly. In 2023, she was admitted to Shepard Pratt Hospital and was diagnosed with major depression. She fought bravely during her three-year period of illness. During her battle, she attended and witnessed the graduation of Angela at Brown University for creative writing in May 2024, and Lucia at University of Southern California for architecture in May 2026. She and her husband also visited Angela in Japan and together visited China in 2025. On September 20, 2026, her earthly body found an abrupt end. She is now finally in the loving arms of the Lord enjoying the peace and joy of God. Glory to God who blesses her from eternity with mercy and grace. Amen!

A Visitation will be held at Peaceful Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Center, Timonium, MD, on Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 2 PM to 4 PM with a Funeral Service beginning at 4 PM in the funeral home chapel.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.peacefulalternatives.com