Afton Wilson Johnson Wilde, beloved mother, sister, Nana, and friend, passed peacefully in her home, resting in her beautiful bed, at 10:55 p.m. on September 18, 2025. Born November 8, 1950, to Elmo Bingham Wilson and Ruby Page Wilson, Afton entered this world wrapped “in what looked like cellophane,” a unique beginning that foreshadowed the extraordinary life she would live.
Raised in Payson, Utah, in a loving home on Main Street, Afton’s bold and social spirit bloomed early. At just three years old, she perched on her front porch, greeting the schoolchildren by name, her lifelong gift for making people feel seen was already evident.
She carried that gift throughout her life, becoming a mother not only to her own children but to countless others who found unconditional love and lifelong friendship in her presence.
Afton married Kent D. Johnson and later Mitch Wilde, and though divorced from both, she built a family defined by love and resilience. She is the devoted mother of daughters Bunny Skyy and Raquel Johnson, and the proud Nana of Shelbie Rae Johnson, her granddaughter and adopted daughter, whose bond with Afton was unbreakable. Shelbie, 20, was always Nana’s princess. Afton was also Nana to her grandson, Jaxton Skyy Johnson, 15, the “man of the house,” who lovingly ensured she was cared for.
Thirteen years ago, Afton moved to St. George, Utah, where she and Bunny worked side by side raising Shelbie and Jaxton. To all who knew her, she wasn’t a “grandma”, she was Nana: a pillar of strength, fierceness, kindness, and adventure. Her career reflected her work ethic and versatility, she owned her own businesses, worked for IHC hospital, McMullin Law Firm and most recently RDI roofing company, always pouring her energy and heart into everything she did.
Afton is survived by her children Bunny Skyy, Raquel Johnson, Shelbie Rae Johnson, and Jaxton Johnson; her sisters Arlene Edsall (Dick-deceased) and Joyce Hasting (Joe); her brothers Alfred Wilson (Susan), Keith Wilson (Teri), John Wilson (Roz), and Grant Wilson (Bern); and sister-in-law Lori Wilson (Allen- deceased). She is preceded in death by her parents, Elmo and Ruby Wilson, and her brother Allen Wilson.
Graveside services will be held at the Payson Utah Cemetery- 400 N 800 E, Payson, UT 84651 (PLEASE ENTER ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE CEMETARY) on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at the Emerald Eve Event Center, 192 UT 198, Salem Utah 84653 from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather, share stories, eat her favorite snacks and honor Afton’s incredible life.
Afton’s legacy is one of fierce love, unwavering friendship, and joyful adventure. Once you entered her life, you were a friend for a lifetime. She was, and always will be, Nana to us all.
“I love you a bushel and a peck.”
Copyright 2026 © All rights reserved. Walker Funeral Home by Mountain Media
7 Condolences for Afton Wilson Johnson Wilde
Condolences(7)
Debbie Miller says
September 22, 2025 at 5:32 pmWe are so sorry to lose our energizer, bunny, Afton. She was the epitome of loving service to everyone she’ met. She was so much fun to be around and we will miss her enthusiasm for life. I’ll never forget the fire in her eyes in the hospital the night after her diagnosis. She was ready to put up the valiant fight she did. We will miss you Afton but will see you again. I’m sure you are fixing something for everyone to eat. Love you dear friend.
Shelley Beck says
September 22, 2025 at 6:51 pmWhat a beautiful obituary. Afton was a great person and friend. I will miss her.
Mary Jo Jo O'Neal says
September 22, 2025 at 6:53 pmTo Afton’s cherished family; she was so proud of all of you. I am so grateful for the memories of teenage years with fearless, friendly Afton. Now, I’m so glad for the fun times we’ve had as golden gals! You can be sure she will live in our hearts forever. God is good, His love is sure.
Renee Hill says
September 24, 2025 at 5:09 pmI grew up next door to Afton who was a very patient and kind teenager to the little girl next door. I remember her long hair that she would iron on an ironing board to straighten and smooth it. I remember her laughing a lot and being joyful. She was a big part of my childhood memories and I loved her and could always count on her for a warm and friendly greeting. My condolences to her family and friends.
Glen Var Rosenbaum says
September 24, 2025 at 10:24 pmGrowing up next to the Wilsons including Afton, was such a blessing in our lives, (including their dog Mugs)! Starting with Mr. and Mrs. Wilson (Pos & Ruby) they were so fun, kind and good to us. Amongst brothers and between sisters, Afton seemed to know how to navigate it all. Part of the 1950s and 60s, we graduated together. Rest-in-peace Afton. You deserve it.
Steven Young says
September 25, 2025 at 3:00 amAfton was my go to Nana in the neighborhood. I had the awesome opportunity to meet her around ten years ago when Shelbie was taking the missionary lessons. I attended many of the and I don’t recall a time that I didn’t leave with some sort of a goodie or treat from Afton. I loved catching her in the road, because she knew how to hold a conversation and make me feel special. I will sure miss Afton, she was a pillar in her family, but also in the lives of all she came in contact with. I know she had an amazing reunion with those who have passed on before and now she gets to rest from the cares of this world. May she find great peace and joy until we meet again.
Janice Roche and Bill Flamm says
September 26, 2025 at 11:29 pm‘Come, blessed of my Father, says the Lord Jesus, and take possession of the kingdom prepared for you”
Matthew 25:34
God bless you all at this difficult time. What a beautiful person she was.
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