Linda Payne Johnson

Linda Payne Johnson passed away peacefully during the night on Nov. 9, 2019. Linda was born in 1946 in Provo, Utah. She was the youngest of three children and only daughter of Afton and Velma Payne. Her family traveled extensively when she was young and she developed a love for learning and observing life.

Linda had an incredible love for books and reading that she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She read several books a month her whole adult life, and books could always be found near her. She has participated in a book club for decades where she could share her love for books with her good friends.

Linda spent her lifetime combining her love for music with her love for teaching others. She was a gifted pianist that had been classically trained. She taught piano lessons locally for over 50 years and has taught 1000’s of children and adults how to read and appreciate music by learning to play the piano.

She found joy in simple things like quilting and cross stitch, but her greatest joy was in her family and particularly in giving gifts to her family. Linda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. “Grandma J” (as she was affectionately known by her grands). Grandma J was the best gift giver and loved to put together gift packages of different trinkets and small toys that she would then have delivered to the grandkids for every holiday on the calendar (Hello St. Patrick’s day socks!)! Besides keeping the local dollar stores in business by putting together care packages for each holiday, her greatest love was spending time with family and having them around her, including her most recent favorite moments which were monthly family get togethers that she hosted. She loved piecing together handmade quilts for each one of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Linda was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved serving (most often in musical capacities) in various positions including her most recent calling in which she contributed to Sacrament Meeting music. Her favorite calling though was probably as Primary pianist and Provo Temple organist.

Linda was married to her high school sweetheart, Dan Johnson, in 1964. They were both proud Provo High Bulldogs. They had 6 children: Laurie Kreek (who passed earlier this year) (Steve), Suzy Messersmith Cabezas, Amy McKee (Patrick), Jason Johnson (Rachal), Angie Lewis (Jon), Debi Dix (Brandon), 20 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren that were the love of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents (Afton and Velma), her brothers Bob and Doug, and her daughter Laurie.

Linda loved her family and was happy to give every resource she had to them. She wanted nothing more in life than for her family to be happy, to get along, and to know that she had a testimony of her Savior Jesus Christ. Linda will be missed, we’re certain she received a warm reception by her parents, brothers, and daughter and is thoroughly enjoying catching up with them all. Sharing our love, thanks for helping us to hear the music.

Funeral services for Linda Payne Johnson will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Grandview 14th Ward Chapel, 1122 Grand Avenue, Provo, Utah. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday, November 13, from 6-8:00 p.m. and Thursday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Eastlawn Memorial Hills Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bergmortuary.com.