Collection Title: Anna Mayrell Johnson Collection
Series Number: MS25-01
Processed and Cataloged by: Susan White
Date Listed: April 15, 2025
Date Span: 1910-1960
Size of Collection: 4.625 linear feet
Number of Boxes: 2 oversized document cases
Type of Material: Photographs, stamps, forms of identification, newspaper clippings, clothing, and a burial flag.
Condition of Material: Good.
Arrangement: Arranged by content of material and size.
Biographical / Historical Information: Miss Anna Mayrell Johnson was born in Murray, KY on February 21, 1910. She graduated Murray State College in 1931 with a Bachelor of Science degree, remaining to teach political science from 1932 to 1947. While at Murray State College, she also accepted positions as Dean of Women and chairman of the Aviation Education Committee. In 1943, Johnson was commissioned into the Navy, becoming the first woman to be issued flight orders in the U.S. Navy. She later joined the staff of Assistant Secretary of Defense, Anna Rosenberg, acting as the Navy’s contact with the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services. She was tasked with recruiting more women into different military branches as part of the WAVE bill in 1947. Additionally, Johnson was one of four women selected to be featured on a postage stamp to commemorate the work of women in the armed forces as well as a member of the Ninety-Nines, an International Organization of Women Pilots. After her retirement, Miss Johnson returned to Murray where she presided over positions as president of Murray Women’s Club and a charter member of the Century Club at Murray State University. She died in 1993.
Scope and Content: Collection consists of various photographs, newspaper clippings, and magazine articles relevant to Johnson’s life and the historic events that coincided. Also included are her navy uniform, her burial flag, and several postage stamps featuring her likeness.
Subject Headings / Descriptors:
Anna Mayrell Johnson – History
Dean of Women – Murray State College
Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVE)
Aviation Education Committee -- Navy
