Whitney Houston to Be Eulogized by Gospel Singer Marvin Winans
It will be a solemn occasion this Saturday, when close friends and family gather at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey for the late Whitney Houston's funeral.
PHOTOS: Whitney and Bobby's family album with Bobbi Kristina
At the request of her mother Cissy Houston, the Grammy winning singer -- who developed her extraordinary vocal talents at the church -- will be eulogized by gospel singer Marvin Winans. The brother of gospel star CeCe Winans (who dueted with Houston, 48 when she died, on the song "Count on Me"), Marvin officiated at the 1992 wedding of Houston and Bobby Brown at Houston's $11 million estate in Mendham, NJ.
"She was able to leave us with so many wonderful memories of that God-given gift," Pastor Joe Carter, who is leading the private, invitation-only service, told CNN. "That's what we are celebrating on Saturday."
PHOTOS: Whitney's life in pictures
New Hope Baptist Church seats 1,500 people. Carter said he expects "all these empty pews to be filled with people whose hearts are broken." A public service planned at a local stadium in Houston's honor has been cancelled at her family's request.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie says flags will fly at half-staff at government buildings all day Saturday.
VIDEO: Whitney's ups and downs
Houston was found lifeless, partially submerged in a bathtub, in her room at the Beverly Hilton last Saturday. She was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. An investigation into her death is ongoing, though sources told TMZ the singer (who was frank about her struggles with substance abuse in the past) likely died from a lethal combination of prescription pills and alcohol.
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4WTF...Half staff is reserved for the death of presidents, vice presidents, dignitaries, and by proclimation of the president of the United States. Our fallen soldiers do not even get this privledge. Even though I agree she was an amazing singer she does not deserve this honor.
First of all it is so tacky to have this has the cover of this week's magazine. Maybe Adele winning 6 Grammy Awards would be more appropriate. I agree with the comment below- let her family and friends grieve her tragic death. Anyways- you can tell that the article will be bogus anyways- just look at the side story about Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush? Her family doesn't disprove- so one thing wrong most likely means the others are so inaccurate.
You are so right Amamda.But you know magazines they have to get a story out right away not letting the family cope with this traedy in private. Fast stories fast paycheck. And they will make millions on this traedy
Wow the cover to the magazine is just an awful thing to publish after her tragic death. Until the autopsy comes out I think the magazines need to keep the lid on such awful reports until the truth comes out.