Sarah Covell Johnson, 62, passed away on April 1, 2026. She was born on April 28, 1963, in Fargo, N.D and spent her childhood in St. Cloud, Minn. and Springfield, MO, before moving to Wayzata, Minn., where she completed high school and began shaping the path that would define much of her life.

Sarah was a gifted athlete and an exceptional golfer. She played collegiate golf at Iowa State University during her freshman and sophomore years before transferring to the University of Minnesota, where she graduated and continued to excel on the golf course. After college, she pursued her passion professionally, joining the LPGA Mini Tour and traveling the country competing until 1989.

Following her golf career, Sarah built a dedicated and successful professional life with Federal Express, working in Lenexa, Kan., Brainerd, Minn., and eventually Charlottesville, Va, where she retired.

Sarah will be remembered for her intelligence, quick wit, bravery, strength, love for dogs and skill on the golf course. She had a deep love for sports, especially her Minnesota teams, and was an avid follower of both PGA and LPGA golf. Beyond the course, she found joy in fishing and in the companionship of her dogs, rarely going without one or two by her side.

Her love for animals extended far beyond her own home. While living in Charlottesville, Sarah volunteered with Basset Rescue of Old Dominion, where she fostered many basset hounds over the years, giving them care, comfort, and a second chance at life.

Sarah's life was marked by her passion, resilience, and generosity. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Sarah is survived by her sister Martha Murphy and her husband Reed, her nephew John Murphy and his wife Masen, her niece Elizabeth Murphy and her children Millie and James, many loving cousins, and extended family.

A memorial service will be held at Johnson County Funeral Chapel, on Wednesday, July 22nd, at 2:30pm, with an inurnment service in the indoor mausoleum to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Basset Rescue of Old Dominion brood-va.org