Michael Hedgepeth, son of the late Rev. HJ and Orell Hedgepeth, married Joanna Robertson in 1987 at Broad Street United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg, where they met while singing in the LoveLight Young Adult Praise Group. They have four children and seven grandchildren. Michael is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Banking and Finance, and worked for Trustmark National Bank in Hattiesburg and Jackson for 15 years before entering full-time music ministry. He served as Music Director of Chancel Choirs and Children’s Ministries at St. John’s UMC in Greenwood, MS, First UMC in Philadelphia, MS, and Safe Harbor UMC in Moss Point, MS. Also, he volunteered in music ministry at Broadmeadow UMC in Jackson, MS, and at First UMC and Trinity Methodist Church in Gulfport, MS. In addition, he served as Financial Administrator at St. John’s UMC and for the Day Care at First UMC in Philadelphia, and later as Executive Director of Seashore United Methodist Assembly (SUMA) in Biloxi, MS. Upon retiring from SUMA, Michael and Joanna returned to Hattiesburg, where they enjoy time with family and friends and attending USM athletic events.