John Bligh
- Paraprofessional
- CS 154, Harlem
Linda Pope was a beloved paraprofessional who worked for 29 years at CS 154 in Harlem. A nurturing mother figure to her students, Linda was loved by all in the school community. She had an associate’s degree in early childhood education and touched many lives through her work.
Known for her joie de vivre, Linda enjoyed giving students at her school treats of mints or candy that she hid in her pocketbook. She enjoyed popping her Doublemint gum with verve. And she embraced her love of fashion by each day wearing different matching outfits, including coordinated handbags and shoes.
“Unions matter in more ways than people know and I’m glad she was part of one and loved the UFT people,” said her daughter Marissa.
Linda was an avid animal lover and also found joy in people-watching on her bus rides.
Her faith was central to her life, and she regularly attended services at Harlem Christian Center. Also central to her life was her family. She leaves behind a loving husband of 40 years, Roy Lester; three daughters, Charlene, Marissa and Janyett Pope; and a son, Renardo Pope. Her 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren put a radiant smile on her face.
Condolences may be sent to
What a kind, helpful and genuine person she was. Ms. Pope was one of the first to welcome me at PS154 and I will never forget her. I also wish her the most beautiful place in heaven. I miss you Ms. Pope, and I thank you for your wise advice.
One of the nicest and sweetest human beings I have ever known. You are missed Linda Pope, especially your memorable smile and infectious laughter. Rest in Peace. You will never be forgotten.
Now and Forever!
I feel so fortunate to have worked with Ms. Pope this year at 154. She was so wonderful to me and was absolutely dedicated to her students. She will be missed dearly by everyone at 154.
Linda Pope was so full of life always smiling, just a kind person. My deepest condolences to the family. Rest in peace my sister!
Ms. Linda Pope-Lester had a heart of PURE gold, and a laugh you could hear down the hall. She always had a smile on her face that brightened everyone’s day. I was so blessed to work with her in Kindergarten at CS154. Days in our class were full of love, life, light and laughter. She was so dedicated to our students, her friends and her family. She loved her job.
As everyone can see reading here, she was so beloved by ALL. Through the years we stayed connected and our friendship never skipped a beat. I would love picking up the phone when she called and hearing her say HEYYYY LAAUUUUREEEN!!!! Her memories will always shine bright in my heart and of all her friends and family because that light is so strong. I can still hear her now. Rest in Peace my sweet dear friend. I love you Pope.
Oh! how I was just sitting here thinking about my friend Linda Pope -Lester. How I’m going to miss her smile, how she would greet me in the mornings saying how God blessed me he woke me up in my right frame mine and have a blessed day. The many long conversations that we would have about our families. And how she loved her husband Roy ! not only would she tell you, but she would show you in her beautiful bright bubbly smile and dance. (Drop It Like It’s Hot) I can’t forget her children,grands, and great grands she love them with all her heart. Love you girl! God got you! May you Rest In Peace.
Oh! how I was just sitting here thinking about my friend Linda Pope -Lester. How I’m going to miss her smile, how she would greet me in the mornings saying how God blessed me he woke me up in my right frame mine and have a blessed day. The many long conversations that we would have about our families. And how she loved her husband Roy ! not only would she tell you, but she would show you in her beautiful bright bubbly smile and dance. (Drop It Like It’s Hot) I can’t forget her children,grands, and great grands she love them with all her heart. Love you girl! God got you! May you Rest In Peace.
Ms. Pope I had the pleasure of working with you at Harriet Tubman. You told me from the very beginning that you loved being around me because every time I walked in a room you felt the holy spirit walk in with me. I remember complaining to you ALL the time about the mean coworkers we had and you would always say “Stephanie, because of the one that walks with you is so BRIGHT many can’t take the light that shines around you. They can’t take how brutally honest you are. And that’s OK. You weren’t created to be liked by everyone. Stephanie, Never change who you are for anyone. Those who truly love you will last.” Everyday you would put mini snickers and gum in my purse in case my low blood sugar would act up. You gave me so many nuts and bolts on marriage that I could never forget. I had so many health issues happening to me that at times I was not able to come to work. Those times would get me anxious and you would always say “Stephanie it’s OK baby, your health comes first. God forbid you die, they’ll replace you in a heartbeat.” I felt as if I knew your husband Roy, your children, grandbabies, and great grandbabies as you called them. All you did was talk about them and God. Every morning you would come in the teachers lounge and say “Steph I just saw hubby dropping you off. Awww you guys are so cute.” I remember when I drove to nyc in January and visited the school. You were out front dismissing the kids. When you saw me you had that unforgettable smile and hugged me so tight. You said “okayyyy I see you in your car. Florida is doing you real good. You aren’t missing a thing here.” You added me to a group text and sent me daily devotionals. Your last text to me was on March 30th 2020 and you left us with Matthew 26:26-29 and told us you loved us but that the father loved us much more. I didnt realize that your daily devotionals stopped because my mind has been so wrapped up with this virus stuff. Little did I know you stopped texting because you went to be with the Lord due to Covid-19 Ms. Pope you would NEVER be forgotten. You were everyones momma bear @ CS154. I would never forget your style. You would always say “I still have style and I love to match.” You worked in this same school for 29 years and was waiting on the Lords permission to retire These kids loveeeed you because you were so gentle with them yet stern. Ugh I could go on for days. R.I.P my sweet Ms.Pope
Through these tears I hear you saying..”Its alright baby.” We had some good laughs. The hallways at One Fifty Four will never be the same. GOOD MORNING! With a smile! Love you, Ms. Pope!❤.
Through these tears I hear you saying..”Its alright baby.” We had some good laughs. The hallways at One Fifty Four will never be the same. GOOD MORNING! With a smile! Love you, Ms. Pope!❤
When I first arrived at Harriet Tubman Learning Center as a Self-Contained Special Education Teacher, Ms. Pope was the paraprofessional with me. She made me feel welcomed and helped me out immensely. This year she was the para in my class again. The students and I will miss her dearly. The kids absolutely loved her. All of them. She could be a tough cookie, but she also had a nice warm smile and was extremely helpful and accessible. I know she is in a better place. You are now in paradise Ms. Pope. I will miss you so much. May you rest in peace. Your legacy will will live on. Thank you for teaching me so much.
Ms. Pope, Your smile was something that I will cherish forever! Your love for God is what I will miss the most. The way you cared for my well being and encouraged me to keep being my best I will keep in my heart. I loved how you would always ask about my family and say “how’s those big people”! Thank you for caring, loving, and sharing your spirit with me. You were and are a shinning star and may God let your light shine upon us each and everyday.
You were the best Ms. P. It was always a joy to see you and share your presence and humor.
The school and Harlem community loves and appreciate you and though you are no longer in this
realm, you will not be forgotten. Sleep peacefully Ms. P. Your grace, humor and honesty will always be
in our hearts.
Your home boy, Mr. D
Ms. Pope was a warm soul that greeted me every morning with a smile. Equally, she was always able to turn the students’ frowns into smiles. I admired her originality and creativity fashion-wise. Yet she had a genuine personality and made everyone feel comfortable and welcome.
I will truly miss you, but I am sure you are in a very good place right now.
Blessings to a life lived in service of those most vulnerable among us. Rest in peace and thank you for touching the lives of those who were blessed to have known you.
There are so many things I will miss about my dear friend Ms. Pope. Most of all, I will miss her bubbly personality with her warm smile and friendly demeanor. She always lit up the room and I know she will light up the heaven above. Rest in peace Ms. Pope.
To My Co-Work, Friend and Sister in Christ,
I miss you and I KNOW that I WILL see you again. When I think of Linda, Love come to mind.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
~ 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
That’s Linda Pope
Ms. Pope was a lovely person who greeted everyone she encountered with a smile. Her smile was no ordinary smile. It was a special smile that radiated warmth, kindness, a glee for life, and a sense of hope. She will be dearly missed.
Ms. Pope had a contagious smile and a kind word ready for anyone who ran into her. Rest in Peace, Linda. I will surely miss you.
I started working at C.S.154 in December 2015. Since my first day there, Ms. Pope always made sure to say hi and give a hug. We became friends after that. We talked everyday, about family and life. She always gave advice and never went a day without loving and caring for the student’sat 154. She will be missed. I Love you Ms. Pope and hope you are resting. My condolences to your husband, children, grandchildren and great. There will always be something sweet for you to eat in my classroom. I miss you.
I came to CS 154 in September 2018, feeling nervous and isolated because I was new to this school community. Ms. Pope was one of the first people to come over to me to introduce herself. She made me feel welcomed and she made me feel like I was going to get through this transition in my life. Ms. Pope was a kind and loving soul. She had a bubbly spirit and an infectious smile that would put you in a better mood if you were feeling down. She stopped by our classrooms in the morning to greet us all and to ensure us that everything was going to be alright. She loved her family dearly. She talked about her husband, kids, grands and great-grands all of the time. CS 154 will not be the same without Ms. Pope. She is definitely going to missed. My heart is heavy but I can rest assured that she’s in a better place where she can sleep in peace.
Ms. Pope was one of the most loving, kindhearted people I’ve met. Everything she did was out of, and fueled by love. The lives of those she touched will be forever impacted because of it. She will be deeply missed.
Ms. Pope, I only met you this school year, however you treated me as if we have known each other for years. I will miss your bright smile, asking how my sister and I are doing on a daily basis and your silly personality. You were always generous and kind to me, thank you for being you Ms. Hope.
154, will surely miss you and so will I.
Rest In Peace
Ms. Pope was one of the kindest and most dedicated people I’ve met. Her love and loyalty to her students went unmatched. She always took the time to share laughs with my own kids, Joseph and Gabriella. I’m forever grateful for all of her assistance and advice in my class. I’m blessed to have known this and was able to call her a friend. Much love Ms. Pope! RIP
Ms. Pope taught me how to smile. I looked forward to being in the presence of her radiant smile and inner light whenever I walked into C.S. 154M. Whenever I forget to smile I can still her her say to me, “Where is that smile?’ I will always and forever remember her when I smile.
Rest In Peace cousin Linda. You will be missed
What a beautiful light in our world! No matter what was going on, Ms. Pope stood out as a beacon of light and positivity in the school, neighborhood and community. Always. We will forever hold you dear in our hearts. Thank you for shining so brightly and for spreading so much joy in our world. We miss you already!
God has wrapped his arms around Ms. Pope and she is now one of his angels looking over us. Her years of service to our students and families exemplify her selfless spirit. My condolences to her family and loved ones. May she Rest In Peace.
To my sister in Christ. My school sister. My sister from another mother, and also my friend. S II P, I see you laying in Gods arm saying,”Where is my chocolate?” Now you have all the chocolate you want. Not only did I love you but my family members as well. you will truly be missed. You are one of the only people that could make me angry and smile at the same time. You are and were a beautiful soul, that God sent to encourage ,laugh and even to, comfort others, You had a way with children and adults that no one will ever be able to match.. Now you get to look down, and I will still keep looking up. love you always , a soul that will not be forgotten.
Beverly Dais (C.S. 154M)
S.I.P. Linda Pope. You were a Beautiful spirit and the dedication to the children of NYC and Harlem community is an inspiration. God Bless your soul. I’m sending prayers out to your family and friends to give them strength in this difficult time. ❤️
I will always remember that smile, always so full of life… such an amazing women!!! Love her beyond measures, she will definitely be missed
She was such an amazing person, so glad once upon a time she was my teacher. You will forever be missed.
She truly was a mother’s mother. So nurturing to not only the students in her class but to the adults too. Pope looked our for me and my children and asked about them each and every week.
I knew Linda Pope from Harlem She lived on morning side I live around the corner in West 115 street She was a cool Person to talk too,My Son Ralik loved Mrs Linda He would say “Mom she is so nice” Mrs Linda you will be truly missed Sleep in Heaveny Peace.
I’m just so sad I knew sister Lester from Church and she was the same in church and every where she went…just a light to the world. I will miss you
R.I.P Mrs Pope
When I found our you past I was upset and heartbroken,You was my son teacher over 20 years,When ever I see you ,you always asked about my family. The last time I spoke and saw you was last summer,We had talked for about 20 minutes. She was lovely woman and had a beautiful soul. R.I.P
Linda was a lovely person. May she Rest In Peace. ❤️
My Condolences to the family! A personal loving memory I have of her is from a song entitled “Drop it like its hot.”
Please keep me abreast of any “Memorial Services” for her DOE family (as I know everything is up in the air now).
Sincerely,
Ms.Pope sheeesh I use to see you when I would come to new York… I remember going to 154 my brothers and I. I have literally known you my entire 29 years you will truly be missed … this message is from the Nunnally family we love you shine bright
Ms. Linda Pope Lester was a great friend. Our morning greeting was he woke us up in the right frame of mind (talking about jesus) She would share the daily word with me because jesus was always the reason and season for life she taught me. I’m so glad I got to throw her birthday parties with the students in her classes. I have a heart full of memories about Ms. Pope she was truly a MOTHER TO MANY!!! Sleep in peace my friend!!!
My condolences to the Pope family. I didn’t know Linda, but that smile says a lot about who she was as a person. RIP
Linda Pope was my SpEd para at P154
She was wonderful with the students who loved her
When they did something right she would be so happy and say
Kiss your brain
RIP
So Sweet and Kind human being. You will surely be missed. Bless your family with the strength needed and the love you given to all may be remembered always.
Linda M Pope, May you S.I.P. gone but never forgotten. I will miss you asking about my entire family, making me slow down, asking if I ate or needed anything- Baby? So, with my last $20.00 please go get us a “good” lunch and don’t forget the gum and yes, your chocolate and hold it- until we meet again! And keep the change!
I love you My Sistah-girl, my friend!