May 1, 2003: As reported by Lola LaRay...
It is with much sorrow that I have to inform fans of the passing away of a good friend and wonderful person, Miss Babs Wingo.
Her death
She, along with Ethel Johnson, Marva Scott, Betty White, Louise Green, Katherin Whimbley and others were among the first African-American women to break through the color barrier in women's pro wrestling. Babs was not a small woman, but she was deceptively quick for her size, very athletic and very strong.
She worked hard at becoming very good in the ring, but more importantly, Babs was a wonderful person and a good friend to many people out of the ring. I can remember being invited to her mother's home many times when she put out home-cooked meals...everything from fried chicken and corn bread to ham hocks and greens. Babs' mother always made it a point to let the wrestlers know that if they were in town, they could always stop by her home for a great meal.
Babs and her husband had been living in Albuquerque, New Mexico for a number of years . My husband talked with her about a year ago and she and her family were enjoying their home and the beautiful surroundings of New Mexico. She was doing well.
God bless you, Babs. We will miss you.
Source: G.L.O.R.Y. Legend Lola LaRay & husband Jim
Picture from: Tina Diane's Pro Wrestling Gallery