Linda Johnson Harper

Linda Ann Johnson Harper, 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2025 following a long illness. She was in the comfort of her home in Danielsville and was surrounded by loved ones.

Linda was born in Athens, Georgia on December 17, 1941 to Cora Bradley and Dillard Moss Johnson. She happily grew up in their home on Calhoun Drive. She attended Clarke County Public Schools. She graduated with honors from Athens High School in 1960.

Linda married her high school sweetheart, Gerald F. Harper, Sr. in 1960. The couple began their marriage in Rockhall, Maryland where Gerald served in the Army. Upon completion of that service, they returned to Athens. Linda had her first child in 1961 and began her career as a devoted mother. By 1968, she had five children. In 1971, the couple moved to Madison County where they remained the rest of their lives.

Linda was a wonderful, loving mother who created a home in which her children thrived. She enjoyed cooking and gardening. She also enjoyed music. She was an accomplished pianist serving as accompanist at several local churches.

In 1986 after her children were grown, she began working outside the home. For the next 17 years, she held positions with Guest Printing Services, Athens Academy, Lennox, Lincare and Burman Printing Services. She retired in 2003.

Linda became a grandmother in 1987. She affectionately became known as Bebo to her thirteen grandchildren and later seven great grandchildren. Until health concerns kept her home, she made trips around the country to be present in her grandchildren’s lives.

Linda was a faithful Christian. She accepted Christ and was baptized at the age of 15 along with her father. Her faith was evident in all aspects of her life. In her later years when she could no longer attend church, she continued to study scripture and was dedicated to daily prayer.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 65 years, Gerald. Her children Jerry (Lisa), Len (Robin), Sharon Potts (Mark), Brad (Jessica) and Kristy Towler (Simon) and her sister, Nancy Keeler.

In addition to her children, Linda considered her grandchildren and great grandchildren to be her greatest legacy. She often remarked that she prayed for each one by name daily. Those are as follows: Jenell (Jesse) Susie, Lydia and Marshall Randall, Kyle (Maggie) and Dax Harper, Kaitlin (Cary) and Carter Crowe, Samantha Harper, Klancey (Drake)Ferrer, Blake (Alex) and Emerson Le, Madeline (Matt) Hornsby and Emma Potts (Ben Phifer), Carson (Aaron), Hudson, Colton and Allison Griner, Jake Harper and Emma Sherer, Claire Towler and Sophia Towler.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Family Hospice for their kindness in her final days. Special thanks also to her wonderful caregivers Debra Looney and Sandra Dalton.

A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, September 9 at 1 p.m. at the Lord and Stephens Chapel in Danielsville. The family will receive guests there at noon.