Cissy Houston mourned by Dionne Warwick, politicians and more at longtime church
A revered soul and gospel singer and the mother of Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston’s life was celebrated nearly a week after her death at 91
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — 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, who often backed up Warwick.
“Cissy, I’m going to miss you,” she added, asking her aunt to greet her passed relatives. “They're all waiting for you. You gave us your heart and soul.”
