Sally Ann Johnson

Sally A. Johnson, born on March 21, 1937 in Waterloo, Indiana to Eston (Pie) F. Mergy and Ruby P. Whysong, passed away at Wuesthoff Memorial Hospital in Rockledge, Florida on February 23, 2014 after a long struggle with Multiple Myeloma.

Sally grew up in Ashley, Indiana and was a graduate of Ashley High School. She met her husband, James E. Johnson, and was married in 1961. After six years as a co-owner of a family business in Helmer, Indiana, Sally accompanied her husband on military assignments in California, Republic of the Philippines, North Carolina, Germany, and Alabama. Following these tours, Sally began a career with the Defense Intelligence Agency in 1976, working first in the Defense Attache Office, Budapest, Hungary. She left employment with DIA briefly in 1978 to work for the International Rescue Commission in Bangkok, Thailand visiting refugee camps assisting with the processing of Cambodian refugees. She returned to DIA for assignment to Warsaw, Poland then Beirut, Lebanon. Sally was seriously injured in the terrorist bombing of the Beirut Embassy on April 18, 1983 for which she was awarded the Purple Heart. For her overall achievements in Beirut, she was awarded the DIA Meritorious Civilian Service Medal. She was next assigned to the Defense Attache Office, Moscow, USSR, 1985-87. Between overseas assignments, Sally worked at DIA Headquarters in various assignments, the last being Executive Secretary to DIA's Director of Operations. At the time of retirement from DIA, she was presented the Defense Intelligence Director's Medal. Following her departure from DIA, Sally was the office and security manager for Battelle Memorial Institute in Crystal City, Arlington, Virginia.

Sally and her husband retired to Cocoa, Florida in 2000. She became an orchid enthusiast, gardener, tour guide for visitors, and lover of ocean cruises. Following her diagnosis, she was an active participant in the Multiple Myeloma Support Group. Sally had a smile and enthusiasm that were contagious. She was adventurous, wanting to do everything life offered. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Sally was preceded in death by her mother and father. She is survived by her husband, James, of 53 years; son Michael James (Annie) of Mentor, Ohio; daughter Paula Ann (Al) of St. Louis, Missouri; four grandchildren, Angel AnnMarie, Melanie Linda, Matthew Eston, and Ashlee Kristea; and five great-grandchildren. Also surviving her are her brothers: Charles L. Mergy (Gina) of Angola, Indiana; Billy J. Mergy of Auburn, Indiana; and Larry R. Mergy (Bonnie) of Ft. Wayne, Indiana. A visitation for family and friends will be held at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial in Rockledge on Friday 4:00-6:00pm. A Mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, US 1, Cocoa on Saturday at 10:30am. Burial services will be at Arlington National Cemetery.