Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) and the Senate Appropriations Chairs are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Rep. Linda Johnson (R-Cabarrus) on Feb. 18.

 

"Rep. Johnson's spirit and enthusiasm will be missed in the General Assembly. She was a fierce advocate for education and never lost her focus amid even the most stressful budget negotiations," Sen. Berger said.

 

"Rep. Johnson was a relentless fighter and supporter of youth programs and education. She was always looking for different ways to tackle those issues," Senior Appropriations Chairman Sen. Harry Brown (R-Onslow) said. "If not for her, I don't know if the David H. Murdock Research Institute in Kannapolis would have been funded." 

 

Appropriations Chairman Brent Jackson (R-Sampson) said, "Rep. Johnson was a very special lady and a dear friend. She fought tooth and nail for everything she could get for education. She was a tough negotiator, but she always had fun doing it." 

 

"Rep. Johnson was as hardworking and passionate as they came. She was gracious and encouraging but knew when to stand her ground, especially on education issues," Appropriations Chairwoman Sen. Kathy Harrington (R-Gaston) said. "Her quick wit and intelligence will be missed." 

 

Rep. Johnson was 74. She was in her tenth term in the House.