NEWARK, N.J. — Dionne Warwick, BeBe Winans, Darlene Love and a massive choir helped celebrate the life of gospel icon Cissy Houston during a music-filled memorial Thursday in the Duchess of Gospel’s hometown of Newark.
The ceremony at New Hope Baptist Church - where Houston was a congregant and choir leader for decades - was decorated with framed photos of Houston and her coffin was placed in front of the pulpit. The church also held daughter Whitney Houston’s funeral more than a decade ago. “She gave so much.
She gave me the right to be me,” said Warwick, 83, the 91-year-old Houston’s niece. “Cissy, I’m going to miss you,” she added, asking her aunt to greet her passed relatives. “They’re all waiting for you.
Your gave us your heart and soul.” Houston, a two-time Grammy-winning soul and gospel artist who sang with Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley, died Oct. 7.
In her honor, her oldest son, Gary, sang “Freedom” and Love sang “It Is Well with My Soul.” Her goddaughters said they would carry on her tradition of wearing purple eyeshadow proudly. A portrait emerged from the speakers of a woman of great faith and deep love but also one who suffered fools poorly.
“No one else could cut you in Jesus’ name,” Winans joked as the mourners roared. “You didn’t have to say words. She could cut you with her eyes.
” He also told a story of her compassion: When Whitney Houston died, Winans got a call from Cissy. “I’m just calling to check on yo.