Linda Joyce Mills

Born on November 1, 1940, in Austin, Texas, to Wilton and Norene Johnson, Linda made Austin her lifelong home. She was a proud McCallum Knight who went on to attend the University of Texas.

She later married her true love, Don Mills, and together they shared 50 wonderful years. After marrying Don, they had two daughters, Lisa and Gina, and Linda spent those early years as a stay-at-home mom—sewing many sets of matching clothes for her girls (and even their dolls). Once her daughters were in school, she went on to attend and graduate from Austin Community College, where she pursued her calling as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).

Linda “retired” from nursing more times than anyone could count, but somehow she always found herself back at work—covering for someone, helping out part-time, or just because they begged her to. She couldn’t help herself; caring for others was simply who she was. Nursing was her passion and lifelong calling for more than 40 years, and she touched countless lives with her compassion and steady kindness.

Outside of work, Linda was known for her warmth, humor, and love of life. She could sniff out a sale from a mile away, never met a bowl of queso she didn’t like, and considered Blue Bell ice cream its own food group. Her TV remote rarely strayed from QVC, and we’re pretty sure they’ll notice the dip in sales. But of all the things she loved, her greatest treasures were her family—especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Linda also gave her time and heart to others through Meals on Wheels and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She was a longtime member of Hope Presbyterian Church in Austin, where her faith meant so much to her.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Lisa (Lou) Monti and Gina (Paul) Alvis; grandchildren Nick, Hayden, Lacey, Tanner, Emily, and Olivia; and great-grandchildren Franklin & Florence, and Dawson & Dayton. She is also survived by her brothers Tom (Lynda) Johnson, Gary (Judy) Johnson, and sister Kerri (Gil) Garcia. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Don Mills, and her parents.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 4–6 p.m., and a Celebration of Life service will follow on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Wednesday visitation begins at 10 a.m., service at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at noon. All services will be held at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills, 9700 Anderson Mill Rd., Austin, TX 78750.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Linda’s memory.