She was born Barbara Ann Sanders to the late Deacon Hosea Sanders and the Honorable Vice Mayor of Arkadelphia, Garrett Ann Sanders. Barbara, the only girl, was born the third of five children. All were born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She was baptized at eight years of age in the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and remained an active member until moving from Arkadelphia. In 1978, she was baptized again, as she understood more maturely the word of God. From 1981 to 1987, Barbara was an active member at the Greater Paradise Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas where Rev. Jerry Black was the pastor.

This woman of God was an advanced graduate of Arkadelphia High School in 1977 and entered Henderson State University at the age of 17. She majored in Journalism, working as a disc jockey at the college radio station and serving as feature writer and sports writer for the college newspaper. Barbara was also an advanced graduate from HSU in 1980 with a Bachelors degree in Journalism and a minor in oral communications. In 1986, She graduated from Baptist Medical Systems School of Registered Nursing. Barbara's profession as a nurse presented her with many opportunities to minister and make a difference.

She met and married Aaron Wheeler Sr. in 1987 and from this point on, God was creating a great ministry team. Barbara is an avid reader of the bible and is a student of the Word of God. In the late 1980’s, Barbara was part of the new seed work of Pastor Wheeler as they opened the New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Arkansas. She served as the Director of Education, trustee and Director of the Small Wonders Learning Center of New Jerusalem Baptist Church.

Barbara is the mother of Aaron, Analyn and Joshua. She is the former elected Councilwoman of Arkadelphia, Arkansas in 1991. She is one of the founders of the Mountaintop Missionary Baptist Church where she has previously served as a Choir President, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees and Director of Education. Barbara is also a Co-Founder of the Lighthouse Project, where she served as Program Administrator and Executive Director.