It was an out pour of tears and emotions when friends, family and fans of pop legend, Whitney Houston came out to pay their final respects to the late singer at the New Hope Baptist Church in New Jersey.
Close friends of Whitney paid tribute to fallen star, some singing songs in her honour. Bishop TD Jakes exhorted the congregation and gospel singer, Donnie McClurkin sang his gospel track, “Stand”, upon the request of the singer’s family. Steven Wonder gave a moving rendition of his classic, “Loves in Need of Love”.
Gospel legends, the Winans’ family, who were present at the funeral in a show of support for the Houston’s, bid Whitney farewell, singing “Tomorrow”. CeCe Winans touched the audience with her song, “Don’t Cry For Me”.
Besides tributes in songs by fellow musical artistes, actors of the stage also took to the pulpit at the old church to pay their last respects. Kelvin Costner paid tribute to his “Body Guard” co-star as well.
Following performances from the Winans’ family, emotional R&B singer R.Kelly took on the Whitney Houston hit “I Look To You” from the star’s last album.
At the end of the service, filled with words of love and songs of hope, Whitney’s casket was carried out to her famous song, her star-making adaptation of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You”.
