Linda Juanita Johnson

Linda Juanita Johnson was born October 12, 1956 to John and Nita Hisel in Bellflower, California. Linda was the oldest of three children; loving big sister to her siblings, Cyndi and Gene. Her family migrated from sunny southern California to Idaho, where Linda spent the rest of her childhood and teen years.

On her sixteenth birthday Linda noticed a cute new boy in the hall, who immediately did a u-turn to secure her phone number. The California wild child was smitten by the sweet straight A’s marching band girl. As soon as Linda graduated Meridian High School the love-struck teens tied the knot, on June 21, 1974.

From childhood, Linda’s lifelong dream was to be a mother. She’d practiced by mothering her younger siblings (which they no doubt loved.) Dana couldn’t wait to start their life together, so they jumped right into parenting. On Linda’s 20th birthday she went into labor with their first child, Jenni. A couple years later they welcomed their son, Tyler. By age 23, Linda had two children of her very own—a dream come true!

Linda threw herself wholeheartedly into raising her children, and was the gold standard for motherhood. Even though resources were scant, she always managed to make delicious food and fun memories for her kids. She made their home full of Jesus, love, and joy. She was the mom everyone wished they had.

Linda was thriving, but deep down wished she could’ve had one more child. Plot twist:
she was going to have more children…LOTS more. Surprise! God had a plan that would take her from mothering two kids to mothering thousands.

Over the course of nearly four decades, Linda and Dana partnered together as a dynamic duo on a ministry adventure neither of them expected. This adventure took them all over the world feeding Jesus’ sheep (John 21:15-17.) During this journey, Linda discovered that her mother’s heart was more than just a childhood aspiration--it was a calling; a calling to draw children close with God’s unconditional love. Through her teaching series, “Heart School” she showed children how to connect with their Heavenly Father in a beautifully authentic relationship.

In addition to her dedicated ministry, Linda lived a life of hospitality—continually opening her home with delicious food, rich conversations, and intimate worship nights. You could say she had an “open door, open arms, open heart” lifestyle. Just like the Good Shepherd, Linda made everyone feel seen, safe, and loved. No wonder so many affectionately call her “Mom.” Her life is one of selfless service—a truly humble hero.

In addition to her countless adopted children, Linda leaves behind her loving husband of 49 years, Dana; children Jenni and her husband Matt, Tyler and his wife Erin; seven grandchildren, Emmeline, Elizabella, Emelia Grace, Rhett, Emerson, Macy and CoraJane. Also treasuring her memory is her mother, Nita Munson and siblings, Cyndi Key and Dr. John Hisel II.

To honor Linda’s life and legacy, a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 19th from 10:00-11:30am at Gateway Church (North Fort Worth Campus.)

Those wishing to further Linda’s legacy and continue bringing Jesus to children globally may make a contribution to Dana Johnson Ministries a.k.a God-Kid Connection @godkidconnection.com CLICK HERE to donate