Linda Ruth Gay-Johnson

October 3, 1946 - December 29, 2019

Celebration of Life Linda Ruth Gay-Johnson was born October 3, 1946, in Chicago, IL to the marriage of Rice Gay and Mary White, who both preceded her in death. She was the youngest of four siblings: Thelma Jones, Dorothy McCormick and Robert Gay Sr. (the only living sibling). Linda was married to Charles Johnson, who preceded her in death in 1992. Linda was previously married to Wilbert Bond in Chicago, IL, and from that union two daughters were born: Wendy M. and Sherrie M. Bond. Linda received her early education in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and graduated from Harlan High School in 1964 with a scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago. She traveled abroad to London, Paris, Italy and Germany to explore her creative and artistic passion. Linda later attended Chicago State University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree and pursued her Master’s Degree at Alcorn State University in Lorman, MS. Linda was employed by the City of Chicago as a Keypunch Operator and during her years of service was promoted to a Computer Operator at the Daley Center. She retired from the City of Chicago to pursue her philanthropic aspirations. Linda was a very caring and compassionate person. She took care of her mother who was stricken with Alzheimer’s disease for a number of years until her death. Linda believed that family was a very integral part in carrying on the legacy of our history, and relocated to Mississippi to make it her residence. She enjoyed life to the fullest, even after being diagnosed with lung cancer; her faith never waivered. Linda accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, and was a faithful servant of the Lord. Her spiritual journey was filled with work for the church and God’s Word. Living dually in Illinois and Mississippi, she served as a devoted member of Salem Baptist Church here in Chicago, IL and as an active member of Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church in Bude, MS. At Sweet Home, Linda was one of the Mothers of the church, singing in the Sweet Home Fellowship Choir for 20 years. She also participated in Bible Class and Sunday School, and was appointed Mother of the Youth Choir. Linda shared her artistic gifts with the Sweet Home Church with her inspirational paintings, event calendars and the decorating of Fellowship Hall with spiritual wall hangings. Linda sincerely loved God and the Word. Linda enjoyed teaching arts and crafts to all. She made costumes and props for CPS Open Book afterschool program, designed and decorated numerous events, and created ceramic, porcelain and paper mache sculptures and masks. Linda was a perfectionist when it came to penmanship and taught her daughters to write at an early age. Linda took pleasure in being outdoors. She planted vegetable and flower gardens, and created the Agnes Cameron Prayer Garden in Bude, MS. She loved attending her grandson’s football games and also loved being with her dogs, Cane Corso Mastiff’s Mary and Solomon, who were her traveling companions. On December 15, 2019, Linda attended Sweet Home Church and blessed the members with a necklace of Christmas lights saying, “Let your light shine in 2020.” On December 29, 2019, Linda answered God's call to travel to His Kingdom, shortly after returning from Bude, MS. Linda leaves to cherish her loving memory to her brother, Robert Gay Sr.; her children Wendy M. Bond and Sherrie M. Bond; grandchildren; Octavius Mark Anthony Bond, Sierrah Marie Bond and Cameron Milan Neal; and a host of nephews, cousins, close family and friends.