Houston’s voice soars at hometown funeral
Associated Press
NEWARK, N.J.
After all the testimonials from relatives and friends, the songs from legends and pop stars, the preaching and even laughter, the raw emotion of Whitney Houston’s funeral came down to just one moment: the sound of her own voice.
As the strains of her biggest record, “I Will Always Love You,” filled the New Hope Baptist Church at the end of the nearly four-hour service and her silver- and-gold casket was lifted in the air, the weight of the moment was too much for mother Cissy Houston to bear.
As she was held up by two women, she wailed, “My baby! My baby!” as she was led out of the church behind her daughter’s body.
A few steps behind her was the pop icon’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, also crying uncontrollably as she was comforted by Houston’s close friend, Ray J.
It was the most searing scene on a day with mixed moods as family, friends and A-list celebrities — sometimes one and the same — came to the humble church to remember one of music’s legends, but also a New Jersey hometown girl.
Houston died Feb. 11 in Beverly Hills, Calif., on the eve of the Grammys at age 48. Her death marked the end of a life that was marked by stunning achievements: Blessed with a voice of great power and beauty, Houston became one of pop music’s most successful artists over a career that spanned nearly three decades and segued into film with hits such as “The Bodyguard.”
But her struggles with drugs and very public fall from grace during tumultuous times, including a union with ex-husband Bobby Brown, were among the many valleys in her life.
Both sides of Houston were recalled at the service at New Hope, which was filled with about 300 mourners, including Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Forest Whitaker, Jennifer Hudson, Diane Sawyer and her cousin, Dionne Warwick.
“She was someone with a charmed and a beautiful life, sometimes misunderstood, even by herself,” said her sister-in-law and manager, Patricia Houston. “But a life nevertheless that gave joy, happiness, enthusiasm, peace and beautiful music to millions of people around the world.”
Many who spoke talked about Houston’s unshakable faith in Jesus Christ, which got her through some of her most difficult times. Perry recalled a conversation where Houston would look sad when reflecting on her troubles, but then would hasten to add that God was taking care of her.