Ms. Linda Johnson, a resident of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, formerly of Checotah, Oklahoma, after 65 years gained her heavenly wings.  She was surrounded by her loving family as she closed her eyes for the last time.

Sanford and Lillian [Scott] Whitfield were blessed with a beautiful, baby girl on September 21, 1952 in Pierce, Oklahoma.  They named their new daughter Linda Joyce.

Linda grew up in Oklahoma, where she attended school.  After High School, she furthered her education at Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she earned her Bachelors Degree.  Then, she matriculated to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she earned her Masters Degree.

She began her career in education  teaching special education classes at Nathan Hale High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma before teaching in the Okmulgee Public Schools system until her health forced her to retire early.

Linda was "special."  Throughout the duration of all three of her illnesses, she never complained.  She just kept on fighting.  She loved her family and friends unconditionally.  Linda believed that if she could help someone along the way, then her living would not be in vain.

In her 65th year with us, Linda Joyce Johnson "fell asleep in the Arms of Jesus" on Tuesday morning, May 15, 2016 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  She was preceded in death by her father, Sanford Whitfield; four brothers, Curry Whitfield, Ray Whitfield, Calvin Whitfield and Ellis Greenleaf, Jr.; along with other family members who went on before her.

She leaves in God's care;  her son, Lamont Johnson, Okmulgee, Oklahoma;  her mother, Lillian Whitfield, Checotah, Oklahoma;  four sisters, Mary Dan, Checotah, Oklahoma, Glenda McCormick, Tulsa, Oklahoma, Helen Provost, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and Carla Leonard, North Carolina;  four brothers, Sanford Whitfield, Jr., Tulsa, OKlahoma, Darrel Whitfield, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Jerry Whitfield, Eufaula, Oklahoma and Curtis [Jodi] Greenleaf, Checotah, Oklahoma;  along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her presence with us.

Her sacred farewell will commence on Saturday morning, May 19, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. in the Morning Star Baptist Church in the Warrior Community of Checotah, Oklahoma.  Reverend Eli Behn is the gracious host Pastor and Reverend Marcus Burkhalter, Pastor of Historic First Baptist Church in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma will give the Eulogy.

Burial will follow in the Warrior Cemetery, west of Checotah, Oklahoma.

You may visit Linda, as she slumbers in peaceful repose beginning at 10:00 AM at the Morning Star Baptist Church on Saturday morning, May 19, 2018.