Marsha Kay Johnson

Marsha Kay Johnson, 58, of Joint Base Andrews, Maryland went to be with our Lord and Savior on July 26, 2018. Marsha was born October 29, 1959 in Cumberland, Maryland to Betty Lou (Kennard) Emerick and Kenneth Mearl Emerick. She was raised on a farm in Hyndman, PA, and loved gardening, good food, and cooking. She attended Hyndman High School, and graduated in 1977. After high school, Marsha married Pete Salonish who later joined the United States Army. During Pete’s tour of duty they were stationed at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, Ft. Polk, LA., and eventually Mannheim, Germany. Together they welcomed two children, Rebecca Kay and Adam Ronald. Marsha worked for the United States Army during her stay in Germany after her marriage dissolved. As a single parent, Marsha continued working, never losing focus on the lives of her children. Marsha’s career in Germany began as a dishwasher in the Mannheim NCO Club and completed as the General Manager of the Heidelberg Officer Club. In 1995 Marsha was offered and accepted a position as the General Manager of the Clubs at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Mount Clemens, Michigan. There she met Marine Sergeant Major Donald Johnson. Marsha was later assigned to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland as the Food and Beverage Manager, then moved onto the Club Manager at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas before they would finally marry in 2002. Throughout the years Marsha managed to keep close connections with all her and Donald’s friends. Marsha and Donald loved to take road trips. Marsha could plan a road trip down to the last detail. Because of Marsha’s ability to stay connected and plan things to a “T”, they were able to visit family and friends throughout the world. Marsha is a natural planner so when it came to building their retirement home she already knew what it would look like. In October 2017 Marsha and Donald decided it was time to break ground to start building their retirement home in Texas Hill Country. She was able to see the house to 60% completion before her death. Her husband “Donald” has vowed to complete their family’s dream home to her exact specifications. Marsha earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Phoenix and a Master’s Degree from Grantham University, in Performance Management. A mother and child bond is one of the most precious relationships. Marsha sought to instill in her children a zest for life, a commitment to family and friends and the power of a smile and hug. She made sure that she formed relationships of love and respect that lasted forever. There was also something special between them, that only they shared. For Rebecca, it was “executive lunches” and often some girl time shopping, baking and laughs that followed. For Adam, it was cooking. Marsha shared with Adam her great love and passion for food. Together, they cooked with instinct and always searched for the next best flavors. As a Master Chef, Marsha made her bond with Adam as “dashing adventurer’s” of the culinary universe. Marsha had many passions in her life including gardening and canning. She loved taking photos, and playing with her grandchildren. Her real and abiding passions in life were her family and friends. Every Thursday evening Marsha could be found at the Red Cross on JBA, volunteering for the Wounded Warriors. Feeding them or providing comfort always suited her servant heart. Marsha loved people and her hands were rarely still. She was not the type to leave things undone. Quite the opposite; she was the type who made every minute count. People who knew Marsha were not surprised to learn that she even organized aspects of her funeral. She will be remembered and loved, in the lives of those she touched and changed. Marsha would say she was an ordinary person, however she certainly did not think of herself as exceptional. Those who knew her would beg to differ. Beloved Wife of Donald James Johnson; Devoted Mother of Rebecca Kay Salonish of Waldorf, MD and Adam Ronald Salonish and his wife Stacy of San Antonio, TX; Sweetest Step Mom of Jennifer E. Johnson and Jennifer D. Johnson Paterno; Loving Oma of Mason Kenneth Salonish, Kaleb Michael Salonish and Jena Ray Paterno; Dear sister of Carolyn Jean Lewis of Hyndman, PA, Barbara Ann Reed of Hyndman, PA, Susan Elaine Lee of Cumberland, MD, David Kenneth Emerick of Hyndman, PA, Ronald Eric Emerick of Hyndman, PA; Very Special sister’s-in-law, Cheri Emerick and Tammy Emerick. In addition to her parents, Marsha was predeceased by her siblings, the late Jeffery Allen Emerick and Janice Lee Emerick. Also, survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends. In Lieu of Flowers, contributions in memory of Marsha are appreciated, but not expected, for the completion of her “Dream Home”. Please make checks payable to Donald J. Johnson. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Marsha Kay Johnson please visit our Sympathy Store.