Rhea Hamer Johnson

Rhea Fayne Hamer Johnson, 96, of Keystone Heights, died peacefully on December 15, 2017 in Starke, following a long battle with Alzheimers. Rhea was born at home in Tatum, SC, on June 18, 1921 to the late Reese R. Hamer and the late Fayne Parson Hamer. She went to school in McColl, SC then Furman University. At the outset of WW II, she left college to work in various positions for the Department of War. While working in Atlanta, she met her future husband, Walter Edward Johnson, who was stationed at Ft. Benning, Ga. Rhea and Edward were married soon after he returned from Europe at the end of the war, on October 21, 1945 in Tatum. While Edward made the Army a career, they lived in many places, including Germany, which afforded them the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe. Following his retirement and their move to Keystone Heights, she was actively involved in the Womens Club. She was always an avid bridge player and became a certified ACBL instructor after moving to Keystone. She volunteered with the American Cancer Society and Haven Hospice. Additionally, she had many friends and led a very active social life until Alzheimers disease left her unable to socialize as she had once done. Rhea is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Reese Jr. and Bradwell Hamer, her sister, Annetta Hamer Marble, her husband, Edward, and her son, Reese Johnson. Rhea is survived by her daughter, Ren Johnson, sisters-in-law Ida Otto of Murfressboro, TN, and Belva Hamer of Columbia, SC, numerous nephews and nieces and their families, and caregiver/dear friend, Donna Schleicher. Burial will be at the Florida National Cemetery at Bushnell where she will be reunited with her husband, Edward. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Alzheimers Association or Haven Hospice. Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 340 E. WALKER DR. KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, FL 32656. 352-473-3176.www.jonesgallagherfh.com Cemetery Florida National Cemetery 6502 SW 102nd Ave Bushnell FL 33513 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Keystone Heights 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL - 32656 US (352) 473-3176