Linda Johnston Carnes

On January 4, 2021, Linda Ann (Johnston) Carnes found her final resting peace after an extended illness. Linda was born December 1, 1941, in Wellsville, NY. She was the daughter of the late Verl and Gladys Johnston and sister of the late Billy Johnston. She is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Bob Carnes, sister Nancy Rugaber (Bruce), three beloved children: Robert Carnes, Jr. (Laurene), Debbie Lamas (Frank), and Jayson Carnes (Marcie), 8 treasured grandchildren (Gregory, Brianna, Spencer, David, Alyssa, Lacey, Mallory, Miranda) and 2 precious great grandchildren (Rylan, Kallie).

After graduating from Wellsville High School, she began a career at Air Preheater Corporation in her hometown. Shortly after that, she married and moved to Arkport, NY, where she and Bob started their family and successfully partnered a specialty contracting business for almost three decades. During that time, she also worked as a real estate owner/operator, became an investment partner in Carnes & Woodard Builders, and was an integral part of building dream homes in Bishopville, NY, Hendersonville, NC, and Lake Keowee, SC.

Her greatest joy and passion in life was being a devoted wife and mother. She was a Cub Scout mom and will be remembered for devoting her life to making every day special, most importantly, birthdays and holiday celebrations. Her time spent with grandchildren was always cherished, and she was overjoyed to meet her two great-grandchildren. Always having a flair for design and fashion, she was an avid shopper who was an ardent believer in retail therapy. She shared this passion with her granddaughters, who warmly remember “fashion shows” with Grandma’s collection of dress up clothes and jewelry. In addition, she was a gifted seamstress, an accomplished artist, a skilled ballet/tap dance instructor, and a masterful craft maker in different mediums. A longtime member of the Bishopville Methodist Church, she contributed to the choir with her beautiful voice. Included in her retirement activities was membership in the Seneca, SC, Red Hat Society, and she volunteered with others to make crafts for the annual Hospice of the Foothills fundraiser. Linda and Bob traveled abroad to many places and enjoyed their motor home trips to NC to visit family, eventually living there full time. In 2001 they moved to Lake Keowee, SC, where many happy family times were made and recalled. Her family’s fondest memories are of her generous spirit and kindness for her family and friends above herself.

In lieu of flowers, donations are graciously appreciated in her memory for the Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz.org. Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian in Arden is assisting the family.