Promoted to Glory: Major Anna Laeger

Major Anna Laeger, 82, was Promoted to Glory on August 8, 2026, from the Kate B. Reynold’s Hospice Home in Winston-Salem, NC. 

Anna Marie Strickland was born on January 9, 1944, in New Bern, NC, to parents Ransom Roscoe and Annie Bell Strickland. One of eight children, she started attending the New Bern Corps at age six. Shortly thereafter, she accepted Jesus as her Savior and was enrolled as a Junior Soldier. As a naturally gifted musician from a young age, she participated in the corps band and songsters, as well as her high school choir and a girls’ trio group. 

In 1964, she entered the Evangeline Booth College in Atlanta as a member of the Defenders of the Faith session of cadets. It was there that she met the love of her life, Cadet David Laeger. They married in 1967, a year after completing training, and stayed faithfully devoted to one another for nearly 60 years. During their career as Salvation Army officers, they ministered throughout the Southern Territory as well as in Mexico City. Both were fluent in Spanish, and their ministry among Hispanic communities was a staple of each appointment in which they served. 

The Majors Laeger often sang duets together, further fulfilling her deep desire to witness for Jesus “every chance I get and tell others of His love and care for them!” During her 33 years of officership, and even long afterwards in retirement, she did just that. 

Major Anna Laeger is preceded in death by her parents and several siblings, Maebette Hildred, Jimmie (Judy) Strickland, Charles (April) Strickland, Judy Strickland, and Bobbie (Wendy) Strickland. 

She is survived by her husband, Major David Laeger, four children, ten grandchildren, and two siblings. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held on August 22, 2026, at The Salvation Army’s Winston-Salem Corps. Interment will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park.