Linda Christine Johns, affectionately known to her family as Aunt Linda—and proudly, in her own words, “The Great Aunt Linda”—passed away on July 26, 2026.

Linda was born on August 6, 1948, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to William Woodrow White and Loneta Lucille White. She graduated from Independence High School in Charlotte before moving with her family to Fort Smith, Arkansas. She attended Westark Community College and later earned her bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Linda loved working with people and spent approximately 25 years managing several gas stations, including Cracker Box stores throughout southwest Little Rock, where she built many lasting friendships. She truly enjoyed her work and the relationships she formed with those she met along the way. After retiring, Linda continued caring for others as an in-home caregiver before becoming a special part of her family’s daily life.

Though Linda had no children of her own, being Aunt Linda was one of the greatest joys of her life. Over the years, she lovingly cared for children throughout her family, but beginning in 2010 she became an important part of the home and family life of her niece Christie, her husband Chris, and their children, Jaxon, Ella, and Emma. As the children grew, she picked them up from school, drove them to activities, attended their school events, and filled their childhoods with memories they will always treasure.

She was the Great Aunt who took them to Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s to play, let them help cook, and encouraged their creativity—even when that creativity involved three bottles of glitter covering the house. She taught her great-nephew Jaxon how to make cheesy grits, a recipe he still makes today.

Crocheting and knitting were among Linda’s greatest passions. There was never a time when she didn’t have a project in progress or a basket of yarn nearby. Her yarn collection was legendary among family and friends—so extensive that many joked it deserved recognition from Guinness World Records. Yet to Linda, each skein represented possibility, and she delighted in transforming yarn into various throws and blankets.

One of Linda’s most memorable qualities was her kindness. She was a genuinely good person who rarely, if ever, had an unkind word to say about anyone. She loved her family deeply and accepted people exactly as they were. Her favorite word was “Fantastic!” Whether celebrating something the children had done or simply sharing in their excitement, Linda’s response was often the same. Her family will never hear the word “Fantastic” without thinking of Aunt Linda and the joy she brought into their lives.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, William Woodrow White and Loneta Lucille White.

She is survived by her siblings, Elizabeth White, Janet Benge (Leslie), and Bill White (Patricia); her 9 nieces and nephews; 20 great-nieces and great-nephews; extended family; caregivers; and friends who loved her dearly.

More than anything, Linda will be remembered for the kindness she showed, the love she freely gave, and the countless ordinary moments that became extraordinary memories for those who knew her. She was, and always will be, “The Great Aunt Linda”—kind-hearted, generous, creative, a little unconventional, and always ready to say, “Fantastic!”

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Cremation arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com