Linda Azbell Johnson was born on August 17, 1947, in Smithville, Texas, to Edith Pauline Perkins and Charles Horace Azbell. She was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. From a young age, Linda radiated warmth, humor, and a strong sense of loyalty that remained constant throughout her life.
In 1965, she married Johnny Johnson, and together they raised two children, Paula Lynn Johnson and Johnny Roy Johnson Jr. Their marriage spanned 30 years and, though it eventually ended, it remained a significant and cherished part of her life story.
Linda had a deep and unwavering love for her family. She was the heart of every celebration, always making birthdays and holidays extra special. Her home was a place where everyone felt welcomed and cared for — where love was felt in every meal she cooked, every laugh she shared, and every small act of kindness that made her presence unforgettable.
She spent more than two decades working at Sweeny Nursing Home, where she took pride in caring for others with the same compassion she showed her family. Whether she was helping a resident or supporting her coworkers, Linda’s genuine heart made a lasting impact on everyone she met. She retired in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, kindness, and grace.
Linda had a playful side too. She loved playing bingo, taking spontaneous trips to Coushatta, and enjoying simple pleasures like sewing, collecting dolls, and sharing stories. She believed in making the most of life — whether that meant a good laugh with family or a road trip with friends. Her sense of humor, quick wit, and no-nonsense wisdom made her someone people naturally gravitated toward.
Above all, Linda lived for her family. She was incredibly proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always cheering them on and bragging about their accomplishments. Her guidance, hugs, and soft-spoken encouragement will remain in their hearts forever.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Johnny Roy Johnson Jr.; her brother, Roger Allen Azbell; and her sister, Sheila Kay Azbell.
She is survived by her special friend, John Turkovich; daughter, Paula (Tem) Perry; sister, Penni (David) Pilcik; brother, Charles (Karen) Azbell; and sister-in-law, Kay Azbell.
She is also survived by her grandchildren Timothy Baranowski, Lynse Baranowski, Lauren Lara, Hannah (Justin) Hussey, Hayden Johnson, Jake Johnson, Sherise Morgan, Ashley (Michael) Upham, Rhianna (Jacob) Potter, Allen Gattshall, and Tristan Sandoval. Her great-grandchildren Jaidyn, Marissa, Trinity, and Isabella Baranowski, John and Madi Baranowski, Zechariah, Gaebriel, and Alexander Baranowski, Kaidynce and Jaxston Radford; Raleigh Edwards; Kyler and Kyce Roy Lara; and Jasey Hussey.
She leaves behind a large extended family of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends — all of whom were touched by her generosity, loyalty, and love.
Linda’s life was a beautiful testament to strength, resilience, and compassion. She was the glue that held generations together and the steady light that guided so many through life’s challenges. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her love will live on in the hearts of everyone who was blessed to know her.
Serving as Pallbearers Jaidyn Baranowski, Marissa Baranowski, Trinity Baranowski, Isabella Baranowski, Kaidynce Radford and Raleigh Edwards.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Hayden Johnson, Jake Johnson, Justin Hussey, Timothy Baranowski, Jacob Porter and Michael Upham.
Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Thursday July 10th from 5-7 PM and on Friday July 11th from 9-10 AM at C.T. Baker Funeral Home 634 S. Columbia Dr. West Columbia, TX. Her funeral service will begin at 11 AM at the funeral home with Suzanne Hyde officiating. Interment to follow at Cedar Lawn Haven of Rest Cemetery, West Columbia.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.ctbakerfuneral.com
Thursday, July 10, 2025
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home - West Columbia
Friday, July 11, 2025
9:00 - 10:00 am (Central time)
C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home - West Columbia
Friday, July 11, 2025
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)
Cedar Lawn Haven of Rest
Visits: 146
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors