Vallie Marie Johnson

Vallie Marie Johnson was born on Nov. 14, 1919, to the late John O. and Vallie Diggs Lee in Hope Hill, MD, and succumbed to a brief illness on Jan. 20, 2018, at Frederick Memorial Hospital. She was 98 years old.

While Vallie spent most of her life in Hope Hill, she lived, early in her adult life, in Baltimore, MD for over 25 years. It was during this time that she met and subsequently married Charles Johnson, her late husband. Baltimore was an exciting time for Vallie. The neighborhood where she resided included some of Baltimore's most noted African-American educators, business owners, civil rights leaders, and, most importantly, her dearest friends. Charles' occupation provided her access to the most desirable social events, where she advanced the art of the euphemistic "taste," which translated to imbibing a "boilermaker." Her work for a local family enabled Vallie to travel. After experiencing a mental illness, she decided to return home to Hope Hill.

Vallie's family was her greatest and most enduring devotion. Her daughter and son in-law, Rachel L. and J. Sherman Mason, Jr., respectively, and grandchildren (Keith Lee, Sheri Wright and husband Todd; Radford Mason and wife Donna; and Jonathan Mason and wife Beth--all of Frederick, MD) were her life's focus. Vallie possessed a keen mind, truthful observations, and sagacious insights, coupled with a dry sense of humor. Through this, she instilled in them and others an expectation of life-long learning, a high standard of behavior, and accountability.

In addition to her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren, Vallie is survived by: two sisters, Helen Lee, Frederick, MD, and Charlotte Gardner, Washington, DC; 10 great grandchildren; many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; devoted nephew, Charles "Bussy" Lee; and caregiver, Ty McCormick. Two sisters, Edwina Randolph and Loretta Lee, and four brothers, Curtis Lee, Lloyd Lee, Raymond Lee, and Lewis Lee, preceded her in death.

A public viewing will occur on Thurs., Jan. 25, 2018, at 10 a.m. with Funeral Services immediately following at 11 a.m. at Hope Hill United Methodist Church, 7647 Fingerboard Road, Frederick, MD 21704. Rev. Joyce Hall will officiate. Interment is at Hope Hill Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.garylrollinsfuneralhome.com.