Home Tags Posts tagged with "whitney’s photos inside casket"

whitney’s photos inside casket

As Whitney Houston’s silver casket was carried out of the New Hope Baptist Church, her unforgettable voice could be heard singing her greatest hit I Will Always Love You, reducing many mourners to tears, as the star made her final journey before being laid to rest.

The singer’s mother Cissy Houston followed right behind the casket and had to be supported by two helpers as she tearfully watched her only daughter’s coffin being taken out. Bobbi Kristina followed closely behind.

Whitney Houston will be laid to rest tomorrow alongside her father John Russell Houston Jr.

Among the mourners at today’s highly-charged service, were singers Chaka Khan, Brandy, Roberta Flack, Jordin Sparks and Jennifer Hudson. Singer Ray J, who spent time with Houston during her last days, broke down crying before the service had even begun.

Cissy Houston and daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown were in the front row, both in black, both with heads bowed in grief.

Whitney Houston’s casket was carried out of the church while her unforgettable voice could be heard singing her greatest hit I Will Always Love You

Whitney Houston’s casket was carried out of the church while her unforgettable voice could be heard singing her greatest hit I Will Always Love You

Whitney Houston’s ex-husband Bobby Brown was seen storming out of the church shortly before the service began. He was driven away from the funeral but later returned in time for the start of the going-home service.

TMZ reported that Bobby Brown got into an argument with Whitney Houston’s family over whether or not he could bring nine people into the church with him. Bobby Brown was invited and told he could bring two people but instead showed up with an entourage of nine.

Bobby Brown reportedly became upset when he was told his party could not be seated. He was also refused to sit beside his daughter Bobbi Kristina in the front row.

In a statement put out by his representative after the funeral ended, Bobby Brown explained: “My children and I were invited to the funeral of my ex-wife Whitney Houston. We were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions.

“I fail to understand why security treated my family this way and continue to ask us and no one else to move. Security then prevented me from attempting to see my daughter Bobbi-Kristina. In light of the events, I gave a kiss to the casket of my ex-wife and departed as I refused to create a scene.

“My children are completely distraught over the events. This was a day to honor Whitney. I doubt Whitney would have wanted this to occur. I will continue to pay my respects to my ex-wife the best way I know how.”

[youtube S2TXLa9ghDA]

Whitney Houston’s funeral service began in New Hope Baptist Church shortly after noon today.

Dressed in white, dozens of gospel singers performed traditional gospel songs including Grateful, by Hezekiah Walker, in keeping with a traditional “home-going” service which is common among the African American community. It is based on death being a time of rejoicing because the person is going on to a better place.

After a brief welcome by City Mayor Cory Booke, Pastor Joe Carter took to the alter to read some scripture and start the celebration of Whitney Houston’s life. Pastor Joe Carter said: “Whitney you are the only woman who could bring all of us together, Whitney today is your day.”

 

 Pastor Joe Carter took to the alter to read some scripture and start the celebration of Whitney Houston's life

Pastor Joe Carter took to the alter to read some scripture and start the celebration of Whitney Houston's life

 

Some mourners stood in the aisles in the full church. Others were more mournful. Singer Ray J, who spent time with Whitney Houston during her last days, broke down crying. His sister, singer Brandy, put her arm around him.

A program featuring a picture of Whitney Houston looking skyward read “Celebrating the life of Whitney Elizabeth Houston, a child of God”. Pictures of Whitney Houston as a baby, with her mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston and daughter, Bobbi Kristina Brown filled the program.

The service program featured a picture of Whitney Houston looking skyward read “Celebrating the life of Whitney Elizabeth Houston, a child of God”

The service program featured a picture of Whitney Houston looking skyward read “Celebrating the life of Whitney Elizabeth Houston, a child of God”

“I never told you that when you were born, the Holy Spirit told me that you would not be with me long,” Cissy Houston wrote her daughter in a letter published in the program.

“And I thank God for the beautiful flower he allowed me to raise and cherish for 48 years.”

“Rest, my baby girl in peace,” the letter ends, signed “mommie”.

Whitney Houston’s flower-covered casket arrived this morning at the church where her powerful voice first wowed a congregation as family made final preparations to remember the pop superstar in her hometown.

Mourners at the New Hope Baptist Church, including the Rev Jesse Jackson, fell quiet as three police officers escorted Whitney Houston’s silver casket, draped with white roses and purple lilies, a couple of hours before the service.

It is thought the Houston family arrived in four limousines and was given a police escort with motorcycle outriders and two police cars at the front and the back of their convoy.

Mourners, officers and the choir gathered inside the New Hope Baptist Church at Whitney Houston’s home-going service

Mourners, officers and the choir gathered inside the New Hope Baptist Church at Whitney Houston’s home-going service

Whitney Houston’s ex-husband Bobby Brown arrived shortly before noon. It was reported earlier this week that the singer’s family had banned him from attending the service.

But on account of his connection with daughter Bobbi Kristina, Bobby Brown was later told he would be able to pay his last respects to Whitney Houston – who he was married to for 14 years.

According to CNN, guests held in their hands an invitation with a cover featuring a photo of a smiling Whitney Houston. The six-page funeral program contained color family photos and a note from Cissy Houston, the singer’s mother.

The funeral service marks exactly one week after the 48-year-old Whitney Houston -one of music’s all-time biggest stars – was found dead in Beverly Hilton Hotel in California. A cause of death has yet to be determined.

[youtube pA5x3hVtv9g]

[youtube 1gtrydYyLlY]