By Laura Matthews: Subscribe to Laura's RSS feed
February 18, 2012 4:00 PM EST
It was a bittersweet moment at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J., where friends and family gathered on Saturday, to say their final goodbyes to singer Whitney Houston who died last week at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Houston's "home going" ceremony was held in her childhood church, and it was invitation-only. Fans were able to join the family in sending Houston "home" via live stream and hear the speeches.
The funeral service opened with lively gospel from a full choir at the New Hope Baptist Church. The choir, adorned in white, at times had their voices accompanied by a power organ that rang out in the Newark church. Shortly after, Newark Mayor Cory Booker said the gathering was mourning their loss, but celebrating Houston's life.
"We love you Whitney Houston," Booker said. "Thank you."
Rev. Joe Carter of New Hope said hearts are broken at Houston's death.
"Whitney you Are the only one that could bring all of us together," Carter said. "Whitney today is your day."
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After Carter led the church through a reading of Psalms 23 and a portion of John 14, gospel singer Donnie McClurkin took the stage to sing one of his most inspirational songs, "Stand." Houston's cousin told the church that McClurkin's song meant a lot to Cissy, Houston's mother, and that it also meant a great deal to the dead singer herself. Other musical tributes came from gospel singer Cece Winans, Alicia Keys, Kim Burrell, Stevie Wonder and R. Kelly.
Noting that he knows the grief that Houston's family is facing, Tyler Perry said he was introduced to Houston years ago while in Atlanta. He said Houston told him of her struggle and was very candid and open in sharing her past with him.
"I would see this heaviness come upon her," Perry said, noting that before he could open his mouth to offer a word of help, Houston said, "But the Lord."
Perry said it was from that moment on he knew "I would do all I can to stand by her."
Death Has Not Won
Bishop T.D. Jakes, who was saddened by Houston's passing, said in moments like these it feels like death has won. However, he encouraged Houston's family that there will be times when they will hear her voice speak to them and it will feel like she is in their presence.
"Death has not won. Don't you dear think that death has won," Jakes said. "They may leave you outwardly but will never leave you inwardly. Love will last forever cause god is love."
About Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was born on Aug. 9, 1963 in Newark, N.J. to singer Cissy Houston. She was discovered 20 years later by her mentor Clive Davis, a famous producer. Houston sang in church before become a worldwide sensation and was a backup singer for Chaka Khan and Jermaine Jackson. Houston's debut album "Whitney Houston," was released in 1985 and sparked several hit songs. Her song "Saving All My Love for You"brought Whitney Houston her her first Grammy for best female pop vocal.
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