Tara M Pope-Legette

Tara Michelle Pope-Legette was born on February 21, 1968, at Brooklyn Women’s Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. The eldest of three to Ruthie Mae Pope-McLean and James Pope, Tara
embodied an innate sense of leadership from a young age that would grow on to become a definitive quality throughout her adult life. Although she carried a quietness that could often be
mistaken for reserve, those with the pleasure of knowing her experienced an unwavering force of love, a heart of generosity, a loyalty that put dogs to shame, and a smile that earned her the
nickname “Dimples,” undoubtedly due to her signature indentations in each cheek. As a child, Tara attended primary schools in Brooklyn where she nurtured her appreciation for the arts, often participating in school plays and the chorus. However, nothing quite compared to her value in education. By her senior year at James Madison High School, Tara had not only
demonstrated academic excellence – graduating in 1986 – but had done so while managing extracurricular activities like the James Madison Booster Squad and taking on one of her
greatest roles yet: mother, with the birth of her first heartbeat, Lakarra.

Upon graduating, Tara remained steadfast in the pursuit of her education, enrolling at Borough of Manhattan Community College while simultaneously beginning her career in finance. Soon after, she gave birth to her second heartbeat, Stephan. It was at this time where Tara became more resolute in her walk with Christ. She joined Mt. Olive Church of God in Christ in Brooklyn, NY and was subsequently baptized. With a relentless drive for success, Tara made a career-defining leap in 1995 when she joined CoreStates Bank (now operating as Wells Fargo) as an International Banking Officer. That same year she also welcomed the arrival of her third heartbeat, Kayla.

Her role as a mother of three grew even fuller with the birth of her fourth heartbeat, Dejanè. The same resolve she brought to motherhood was reflected in how she approached her own ambitions – uncompromising and resilient. Tara continued to climb the corporate ladder in banking, holding positions at Interaudi Bank and Nordea Bank, where she served as Assistant Vice President until her passing. Having relocated to New Jersey in 2007 (though she always remained a Brooklyn girl at heart), Tara moved with the intention of unlocking new opportunities for her children, not realizing that it would also usher in a new level of spiritual maturity for her.

In 2012, she joined Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jersey City, NJ, where she not only served as Women’s Day Co-Chair in 2016 but actively supported youth initiatives including but not limited to the Young People’s Division (YPD), youth choir, and the dance ministry. Tara was also a member of the Love, Hope & Charity Club, Inc.

Upon turning 50 in 2018, Tara began to live by the motto, “life begins at 50.” Having triumphed over two battles with cancer, she committed herself to unapologetically going after every goal she wanted to reach in her lifetime – including finding lasting partnership and love as a wife. On September 7, 2018, she was united in holy matrimony with Dwayne Legette. The union awarded her a bonus daughter, Shakira, who she proudly served as a maternal figure to. Tara and Dwayne enjoyed seven fulfilling years as husband and wife. Within her final decade, she accomplished every goal she set and then some including purchasing her first home, re-launching her family business, SYP Event Group, and graduating with honors from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science in Business.

Though Tara’s heart still held plans and promises for tomorrow, her life was pleasing in God’s sight. Having walked faithfully and loved deeply, God declared her work complete and gently called her home to rest. In her final moments, the family gathered to provide her with the same love, care, and support she so generously gave others. Tara will be remembered as a woman whose generosity and authenticity shaped every space she entered, whose resilience carried her through life’s greatest challenges and whose love anchored her family. Loyal and trustworthy, she was a safe place for many – a confidant, a nurturer, and a steady force of love and favor. Resilient and independent, with a sharp wit and a fighting spirit, Tara met life with courage and grace. Above all, she was her children’s fiercest champion, loving them without condition and standing boldly in their corner. Her laughter, her wisdom, and her infectious smile remain etched in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Tara is survived by her husband, Dwayne Legette; parents, James Pope, Ruthie Pope-McLean, and Freddie McLean; daughter Lakarra and son-in-law, Mathieu Clerveaux; son, Stephan and daughter-in-love, Malekia Sosa; daughter, Kayla; daughter, Dejané; daughter, Shakira; grandchildren, Kali, Clark, Kyrie, Kaylani, and Artist; and sisters Syreeta, Anesha and brother-in-law Charles. She also leaves to mourn her beloved Aunt Hettie and Aunt Shirley and a host of nieces, nephews, church family, friends, and colleagues. Though she is gone, the love she poured into the world will continue to ripple through all who knew her. Rest well, Tara.