Obituary: Wilford Lee "Babe" Johnson

Wilford Lee "Babe" Johnson

Johnson, Wilford Lee “Babe”

            Wilford Lee “Babe” Johnson of Beltsville, MD went home to the Lord and his Patsy on March 9th, 2025, at his home at the age of 93 with his family by his side.            Wilford, affectionately nicknamed Babe, was born in Goodwill, WV in July 1931 to Ina and Colin Johnson. He grew up on Sinai Mountain with his two brothers Colin Junior and Thurman “Vester”, and sister, Sue.            He attended Bramwell High School and loved to play football, basketball, and baseball. After graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force with his brother Vester and was stationed in Presque Isle, ME. That is where he met the love of his life, Patsy, at a dance at the Northeastland Hotel. He returned to West Virginia after four years in the Air Force and Patsy went with him. They were married in December 1954 and had two daughters, Cathy and Sandra. They spent 66 wonderful years together until her passing in 2020. Wilford started working for the National Security Agency in 1956 and retired in 1994.            He loved watching the Washington Redskins and was an avid golfer up until the age of 90. Wilford is survived by his two daughters, Cathy Slaybaugh (Chris) and Sandra Matia (Bob), two grandchildren, Jessica Daves (Stephen) and Jason Slaybaugh (Sofie), his great granddaughter Avery Daves, and brother Vester (Dona), along with many nieces and nephews.Wiford is predeceased by his wife Patsy, brother, Colin Junior, and his sister, Sue.A graveside service will be held on Thursday, March, 13 th at 1:00 pm at George Washington Cemetery, Adelphi, Md.            Donations may be sent in his memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.Parkinson.org. Arrangements by Donald V. Borgwardt Funeral Home, PA