Whitney Houston’s life celebrated at her funeral

Whitney Houston’s life and career was celebrated, eulogized and honoured at her funeral Saturday, as family members, friends and fellow celebrities joined together to remember the late pop star.

The service seemed to be focused on celebrating Houston’s life as opposed to mourning her loss.

“Whitney, you are the only one that could bring all of us together, Whitney, today is your day, we celebrate,” said Reverend Joe Carter.

The service was full of uplifting music and laughter, as well as some heartfelt speeches from those who knew Houston.

“Before I could get words out to encourage her, she would say ‘but the Lord,'” said Tyler Perry, as he spoke about the weight Houston carried with her.

Houston’s final resting place will be next to her father, John Russell Houston Jr., at the Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey.

Fifteen-hundred guests gathered to attend Houston’s invitation-only funeral, which was held at the church where she first showcased her singing talents as a child.

The service was star-studded, with such celebrities as Kevin Costner, Alicia Keys, Clive Davis and Stevie Wonder making an appearance.

Other celebrities in attendance included Mariah Carey, Oprah Winfrey and ex-husband Bobby Brown.

The service began at noon Saturday at Newark’s New Hope Baptist Church, as the family decided to remember the star in a private service rather than a large, public event.

Gospel singer Marvin Winans was selected to deliver the eulogy.

No public funeral has been planned, after the idea of holding the funeral at the Prudential Center, which seats 18,000, was nixed.

The funeral-home owner justified why the service was invitation only, saying the family has shared Houston for nearly 30 years, and this was their time to say farewell in private.

During the ceremony police shut down streets for six blocks around the church, which had some fans disappointed.

Houston, who was 48, died in Beverly Hills, on Feb. 11, the day before the Grammy awards.

Officials say she was underwater and unconscious when she was pulled from the bathtub at her hotel.

An autopsy found no indications of foul play, but it could be weeks before the coroner’s office completes toxicology tests to finalize the cause of death.

Houston was born in Newark and raised nearby. She began singing as a young child at New Hope Baptist Church where her Grammy-winning mother led the music program for years.

The family has asked that instead of donations and flowers mourners should donate to the Whitney Houston Academy of Creative and Performing Arts in East Orange.

An impromptu memorial for Houston was held Sunday at the Grammys with Jennifer Hudson paying tribute to her memory with a performance of “I Will Always Love You.”

Before the service, hundreds of people had already stopped by the New Hope Baptist Church, adorning the fence with flowers, balloons and cards.

Houston leaves behind one child, daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown, 18, from her marriage to singer Bobby Brown.

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