Linda Banes Johnson, 83, of Hahira, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. She was born on September 29, 1942, in Waynesboro, Mississippi, to the late Dennis Virgil Banes and Ruby Mae Bagwell Banes. 

At an early age, her family moved to Cecil, where she grew up and graduated from Cook County High School.While in high school, Linda met Paul Johnson, who was home in Hahira on leave from the U.S. Navy. Although separated by distance during his military service, the two continued their relationship. Shortly after Paul completed his service, they were married in Daytona Beach, Florida, on December 17, 1960. They shared more than 65 wonderful years of marriage.

Early in her career, Linda worked as a telephone operator for Southern Bell before becoming a legal secretary. She and Paul began raising their family in Florida before returning to Hahira in 1970. A devoted wife and mother, Linda dedicated herself to her family while her children were growing up. In the mid-1980s, she discovered a passion for fitness instruction and spent the next 35 years teaching aerobics, step aerobics, dance, and senior adult exercise classes throughout Hahira, Valdosta, and Adel.

Linda was a woman of deep faith who was actively involved in her church and was always encouraging her family and friends in their walk with the Lord. She will be lovingly remembered for her warm smile, kind heart, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Mrs. Johnson is survived by her beloved husband, Paul Johnson of Hahira; her daughter, Michele Johnson of Hahira; her sons, Matthew Johnson, Nathan (Bonnie) Johnson, Jared Johnson, and Ivey Johnson, all of Hahira; her grandchildren, Livi Johnson and Rush Johnson, both of Hahira; numerous nieces, nephews, other close family members, Buddy Whitford and Deborah Banes Busch. She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Georgia Ann Johnson.

A memorial service for Mrs. Johnson will be held at 4:00 p.m. at Hahira Community Church. The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 4:00 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hahira Community Church Youth Group. Condolences may be shared online at www.mclanecares.com.

Martin McLane Funeral Home