Denton, N.C. — Commissioner Barbara Jeffrey, promoted to Glory in 2024, was memorialized at Camp Walter Johnson (North and South Carolina Division) with the dedication of a renovated cabin ahead of the 2025 Summer Camp season. The ceremony was led by Lt. Colonel Ronnie Raymer, divisional commander, with participation by Commissioner David Jeffrey, Commissioner Barbara’s husband and former National Commander, and Lt. Colonel Sharon Raymer, divisional leader for mission advancement.

The renovated cabin is one of 12 updated for the first time since the camp opened in 1974. “All 12 cabins will provide a safe and enjoyable experience for our campers, and it is appropriate that this cabin be named to remember this Carolina girl,” Lt. Colonel Ronnie said. 

Following the divisional commander’s introduction, Commissioner Jeffrey shared three miracles his wife of 55 years experienced: her birth in a farmhouse in Marion, N.C.; the one-time open-air meeting held near her home that introduced her to The Salvation Army; and a brush with death while she was a cadet.

Commissioner Barbara entered the Evangeline Booth College in 1964 as a member of the Defenders of the Faith Session from her home corps in Gastonia, N.C. She rose through the ranks, with corps, divisional, territorial, and national appointments; eventually to the office of National President of Women’s Ministries, until her retirement alongside her husband, Commissioner David, in 2017.

By retirement, she achieved a Long Service Award for 50 years — a rare milestone.

The dedication to her memory at Camp Walter Johnson is altogether fitting, as this is her home division and she served in NSC leadership during her officership.

Perhaps the most poignant reason was shared by Commissioner David, who explained how she loved caring for campers for many summers (first at Camp York, and later at Camp Walter Johnson), providing three hot meals each day, clean clothes, and most importantly, introducing them to Jesus.

“Barbara knew what it was like to go hungry as a child,” he said, tearing up. She always washed clothes left behind by campers one week, so that, if the following week’s campers arrived without adequate clothing, she could supply that.

“Growing up, she had very little to wear,” Commissioner David explained, “and at first her mom refused to allow her to attend the corps because she had nothing nice enough to wear to church. Barbara routinely placed cardboard in her shoes to cover the worn-out soles.”

But even that began to change when the corps officer, Brigadier Sadie Boyette, brought a bag of clothes and shoes for Barbara and her siblings to wear. Ironically, Brigadier Sadie was also a recipient of the 50-Year Long Service Award.

“The lives Commissioner Barbara touched throughout the years cannot be counted,” prayed Lt. Colonel Sharon Raymer in the dedicatory prayer, “and we thank You, Lord, for her and the ministry of the entire Jeffrey family!”