Linda Eloise

Bethea

Obituary

Linda Eloise Bethea born on September 5, 1954 in Paterson, New Jersey.  She was the second of six children to Reverend James and Ethel Bethea. Entered into rest on Saturday, February 20, 2016 after four years of a debilitating illness.

Linda was educated in the Paterson public school systems, where she was a baton twirler in the Eastside High School Marching Band. After high school Linda went on to work at Passaic County Board of Social Services where she started as a data entry clerk and was later promoted to supervisor.  In June 2011, Linda retired after 35 years of service.

In 1989, Linda became a faithful member of Agape Christian Ministries where she was an active and dedicated member as a Praise and Worship Team Leader and the Adult Choir, a teacher of the Children's Church Ministry and Youth Department.  As the ministry grew, Linda also functioned as the Audio Technician for Agape.  Because of her love for music, she became the founder of the Agape Praise Dance Ministry.

Linda continued her passion for music by working weekly as a radio commentator co-hosting with Liz Black at the WFDU 89.1 FM Christian Radio Station. She reached out to late night listeners where she touched the lives of numerous people seeking a calming voice for direction and spiritual guidance.

Her memories will always be cherished by her devoted children, Miesha and Samuel Bethea of Paterson, NJ.  She was Nana to five grandchildren, Dahmir, Najee, Makayla, Esau and Blair. Her parents Rev. James and Ethel Bethea, four sisters, Shirley Eddings of Keansburg, NJ, Brenda Fields of Passaic, NJ, Maxine (Darryl) Wright of Peekskill, NY and Sonya (Jeremy) Bethea-Leo, Paterson, NJ. One brother, James G. Bethea, Jr. of Colorado Spring, CO, two nieces Shayla McCray and Adriana Leo, one nephew Jeremy Leo Jr., three great nephews, Justin, David and O'Mere, special cousins, Corinne Reese and Willie Mae Dunn, lifelong best friend Carolyn Steele, aunts, uncles, godsons, Te'Ras Samuels and Allen Steele, Jr. and a host of cousins, church family and friends.