Linda Bentley

Linda Bentley of Macon passed away on Friday, October 30, 2026. She was the daughter of the late John Wright Smith and Elsie H.C. Smith. She was a graduate of Lassiter High School and earned her degree in elementary education from Huntington College. Linda had an early love for teaching and was good at it. As a teenager she taught swimming lessons in her parent's backyard pool. She spent her working career in the classrooms of both Clayton and Bibb County Schools. She retired in 2008 with the arrival of her first grandchild.

She is survived by her daughter, Lauren Rankin (Win) of Forsyth, her brother, John Dixon Smith of Macon, two grandchildren, Scott and Lucy Rankin of Forsyth and her longtime companion, Tom Morgan of Macon.

Her family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff of both The Cottages on Wesleyan and Hospice Care Options.

Burial will be private.

Hart's Mortuary, 765 Cherry Street, Macon, GA 31201 has charge of arrangements.