Family, friends celebrate Whitney Houston at her burial

Family, friends and fans gathered at the New Hope Baptist Church, Newark, New Jersey, United States to bid farewell to popular pop sensation Whitney Houston on Saturday.

Houston’s casket, which was covered with a large spray of flowers, arrived at the church, where she started out at age 11 in the junior gospel choir.

The biggest names in entertainment solemnly filed in to remember the legendary pop star in her hometown.

“We’re here today with hearts broken, but with God’s strength we celebrate the life of Whitney Houston,” said Pastor Joe Carter.

According to CBS News, mourners at the church fell quiet as three police officers escorted Houston’s silver casket, draped with white roses and purple lilies. White-robed choir members began to fill the pews on the podium. As the band played softly, the choir sang in a hushed voice, “Whitney, Whitney, Whitney.”

The clapping and swaying mass choirs opened the midday home going service, performing rousing versions of gospel standards.

Speakers, including Bishop T.D. Jakes and director-producer Tyler Perry, spoke of Houston’s faith and the promise of tomorrow.

Jakes delivered, to applause, a message of victory over death.

“Death has not won. Your tears may flow. The flowers might wither,” he said. “You will find people you love may leave you outwardly, but (they) will not leave you inwardly.”

Houston’s cousin, singer Dionne Warwick, introduced performers and speakers, including Perry.

“I am completely thankful to God for all he has done in her life,” Perry said. “There is a grace that kept on carrying her. Whitney Houston loved the Lord.”

Oprah Winfrey, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Spike Lee, Kevin Costner and Houston’s former husband, Bobby Brown, were among those present at the funeral. Brown walked by Houston’s casket with his head down, CNN reported.

Houston, the six-time Grammy Award winner and the only artist to chart seven consecutive Number One hits, died a week ago in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 48.