Wardell Johnson

Wardell Johnson, Sr. was born on September 22, 1935, in Mullins, SC. He was the third child of 11 children born to the late Lacy and Sade Johnson.

Wardell departed this life in the late evening of Thursday, June 29, 2023, at the University of Maryland Medical Systems (Hospital) located in Largo, MD.

Wardell grew up in Mullins, SC where he attended Pleasant Grove and Palmeda High Schools; before moving to the Washington, DC area in the 1950's.

In 1956, Wardell began his employment at Daycon Products Company as a Chemical Compound Specialist. Where he decided to make this job his career choice. Wardell enjoyed his position so much that he remained there for 45 years - retiring in April 2001.

In the winter months of 1960, he met Bernice E. Boggs and they later married in October of 1962. From this union came Wayne, Wardell, Jr and Patsy.

Wardell was a guitarist and played his guitar in a band created by his brother

Roy - called the D.C. Stompers. On the weekends he would take his kids to watch and listen to the band practice. He also played the organ (outside of the band) as a hobby. He loved music so much that he DJ'd part-time at parties. Wardell kept a collection of albums, size 45 records, 8-Track Tapes, Cassette Tapes, CD's - you name it - he kept collections of all types of music. He also had another hobby, which involved Photography. He loved taking pictures, whether it was for fun or for business ... for the family or for friends. Wardell Johnson kept himself busy.

Wardell is survived by his children, Wayne (Stephanie), Wardell, Jr. (Karen) and Patsy Johnson; Antoine W. and Shirley Jackson; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; brothers, Woodrow and Wilbert Johnson; sisters, Jean Hemingway, Barbara Nelson, Joann Ricks and Plaza Murray. Siblings proceeded in death: Roy Johnson, Sara Gross, Mary Reaves and Rosa Mae Parker. And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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