Whitney Houston's voice still soars

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 Saturday and her silver-and-gold casket was lifted in the air, the weight of the moment was too much for her mother to bear.

Gospel singer Cissy Houston wailed, "My baby! My baby!" as she was held up by two women and 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, singer Ray J.

Whitney Houston remembered in song and speeches
Complete Coverage: Death of a pop diva

It was the most searing scene on a day with mixed moods as family, friends and a list of celebrities — sometimes one and the same — came to the humble New Hope Baptist Church, where Whitney Houston first wowed a congregation, to remember one of music's legends, but also a New Jersey hometown girl.

Houston died the previous Saturday in Beverly Hills, Calif., on the eve of the Grammys at the age of 48.

She is to be buried Sunday next to her father, John Houston, in nearby Westfield, N.J.

The coffin holding the remains of singer Whitney Houston is carried to a hearse after funeral services at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, N.J., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012.

(Credit: AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Her death marked the end of a life of stunning achievement. 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 like "The Bodyguard."

But her life was not without struggles. An addiction to drugs and a tumultuous union with ex-husband Bobby Brown saw her tumbling from grace.

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 Houston's 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."

Kevin Costner, her co-star in "The Bodyguard," said that for all of Houston's beauty and success, she was still yearning for approval from the public and somewhat insecure, a superstar who "still wondered, 'Am I good enough? Am I pretty enough? Will they like me?'"

"It's a tree we could all hang from — the unexplainable burden that comes with fame," he said. "Call it doubt. Call it fear. I've had mine. And I know the famous in the room have had theirs."

Kevin Costner on the "miracle" that was Whitney

Many who spoke talked about Houston's unshakable faith in Jesus Christ. They said it 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.

"The other thing I know for sure — and this is more important than anything that she's done in her life — Whitney Houston loved the Lord," he said.

Tyler Perry recalls the "grace that carried" Whitney Houston

Fittingly, music played a major role in the send-off to one of music's greatest voices.

Stevie Wonder rewrote lyrics to "Ribbon in the Sky" for Houston — "you will always be a ribbon in the sky," he sang.

So did gospel's the Rev. Kim Burrell for "A Change is Gonna Come," which Warwick said was Houston's favorite song of all time. R. Kelly brought the New Hope Baptist Church to its feet with a stirring version of "I Look to You," the title of Houston's final studio album.

And Keys, her voice breaking at times, dedicated her song "Send Me An Angel" to Houston

Brown briefly appeared at the funeral, walking to the casket, touching it and walking out. He later said in a statement that he and his children were asked repeatedly to move and he left rather than risk creating a scene.

Close family friend Aretha Franklin, whom Houston lovingly called "Aunt Ree," had been expected to sing at the service, but said early Saturday she was too ill to attend. Franklin said in an email to The Associated Press that she had been up most of the night with leg spasms and sent best wishes to the family.

Saturday night, Franklin performed at Radio City Music Hall and remembered Houston with a light gospel rendition of "I Will Always Love You."

Warwick presided over the funeral, introducing speakers and singers and offering short insights about her cousin; she joked that Houston's Super Bowl performance of "The Star Spangled Banner" became almost as big as the telephone book.

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[runemar]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtrbCtFbREk

[credibility2]

...was Dolly Parton in attendance at the funeral spectacle...was she even invited...after all if it weren't for the song Parton wrote, "I Will Always Love You", Houston wouldn't have had such an enormous hit...

[bobbinaway]

With much respect for the family of Whitney Elizabeth (Nippy) Houston,I have gone over the entire chain of events leading to Ms. Houston's passing and I can't help feel Investigators should not overlook the possibility of a homicide. Ms. Houston and Stacy Francis had a physical altercation just pryer leaving Ms. Houston with scrapes and cuts. Someone knowing Ms. Houston's drug history could have slipped something in her drink or entered into her room and tried to drown her. If toxicology shows substance other than what was found in Ms. Houston's room. I really believe foul play between Ms. Francis and Ray J should not be ruled out. Mind you, Ms. Houston had champagne that night and her pill bottles did not warrant ANY drug abuse. I don't want Ms. Houston's death certificate to be inaccurate until all the possibilities are ruled out first.

[fantod-2009]

Whitney killed herself over many years of drug abuse. It was a sad, drawn out demise that happens to many drug addicts all over the world.

[FormerUSMCSergeant]

To me, they eulogized the Houston of 30 years ago and ignored what she became as an adult.....

Thousands of women kill themselves with booze and/or drugs before they reach 50 and are not cannonized. The only dif is they never cut an album......