Promoted to Glory: Commissioner Judy Hedgren

Commissioner Judy Hedgren was Promoted to Glory on March 26, 2026, at the age of 77. 

Judith Ann White was born on February 14, 1949, in Richmond, VA to Majors Lairon and Edith White. She lived her life with deep faith, contagious joy, and boundless love. Her life was truly an adventure with God, marked by laughter, compassion, and a heart that reflected the love of Christ to everyone she met. 

On April 12, 1975, she married the love of her life, Steve Hedgren. Together, they felt the call to Salvation Army officership and applied to enter the Training College in Chicago in 1976 as members of the Disciples of Jesus session of cadets. They were commissioned as cadet/lieutenants to Rockford Citadel, IL. Ordained and commissioned in June 1978, they later served as corps officers in Champaign, IL, and Port Huron, MI, and as divisional youth leaders for the Midland Divisional Headquarters. 

In 1991, they transferred to the Southern Territory, with corps appointments, area command roles, and divisional leadership in Tampa, FL; Miami, FL; Atlanta Temple, GA; and eventually to the Arkansas-Oklahoma Division. 

The Hedgrens then transferred to the Eastern Territory, accomplishing a seldom-achieved status of serving in three USA territories, eventually becoming territorial leaders. Throughout their ministry, they influenced thousands through preaching, teaching, youth work, and international Salvation Army events. 

Commissioners Steve and Judy Hedgren retired from active service on April 1, 2016, after over 37 years of ministry. 

Commissioner Judy Hedgren is preceded in death by her parents, and by her devoted husband of 46 years, Commissioner Steve Hedgren. 

She is survived by her children, Heather (Jay) Needham, and Captain Matt (Jessica) Hedgren; and her six grandchildren. 

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for April 9, 2026, at the Tampa Corps.