Bobby Brown Leaves Church In Anger At Whitney’s Funeral!

Nothing better describes the funeral of multi award winning singer and actress Whitney Houston than a great farewell. The New Hope Baptist Church, Newark, New Jersey played host to about 1,500 guests as the funeral service for the singer held.
An incident led to the early exit of Whitney’s former husband, Bobby Brown. Mr. Brown arrived the church with an entourage of 9 people and they wanted to sit together. They were however told they could not. Minutes later, Bobby Brown left in tears. He issued a statement not long after. The statement reads “my children and I were invited to the funeral of my ex-wife Whitney Houston. We were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions. I fail to understand why security treated my family this way and continue to ask us and no one else to move. Security then prevented me from attempting to see my daughter Bobbi-Kristina. In light of the events, I gave a kiss to the casket of my ex-wife and departed as I refused to create a scene. My children are completely distraught over the events. This was a day to honor Whitney. I doubt Whitney would have wanted this to occur. I will continue to pay my respects to my ex-wife the best way I know how.”
In the three and a half hour service, Whitney’s friends, associates and family paid tributes. Though Whitney’s godmother, Aretha Franklin could not perform at the funeral due to a sickness, the programme still lived up to the billing.
Donnie Maclurkin was there, Bebe Winans too was on hand to share some fond memories of Whitney Houston. He held the congregation spellbound when he sang a song he wrote when his brother died. After that, Bishop TD Jakes mounted the pulpit and offered some words of encouragement.
Rev. Kim Burell too did a song in Whitney’s honour. Another person whose speech drew some laughter and applause was Kevin Costner. He told the congregation some of the things he had in common with the deceased, like growing up in the Baptist Church, how he used to love to go to the church store on communion days due to his love for grape juice and some hitherto unheard details of the making of the film, “The Bodygurad”. Costner disclosed that the song “I will always love you” was not meant to be in the movie. The speech earned him a standing ovation.
Alicia Keys, another award winning artiste too sang a tribute. She fought hard to hold back the tears as she played the piano.
Clive Davis described Whitney in glowing terms as he spoke on his musical experience with her. Of Whitney’s voice, he said “you wait for a lifetime for that kind of voice.” He also said “she never took anything for granted, she was never arrogant and she was always appreciative.” Another person that showered encomiums on Whitney was Ray Watson, her bodyguard for 11 years. When it was Stevie Wonder’s turn, as he sat behind the grand piano, he said “it is such an emotional moment. I want to just thank God for keeping me alive to spend time with Whitney. We loved her so much and that won\t stop,” He then performed a special version of “Ribbon In The Sky” after which he sang “Love’s In Need Of Love Today” and before he finished, almost the whole church had joined in singing the song.
Another emotional speech came from Patricia Houston, Whitney’s Manager and sister in-law who pointed out that “even when Whitney was tired or a bit lost, she gave and gave some more.”
R. Kelly was visibly emotional as he sang “Looking Up To You”. Though it was brief, it set most of the people on the edge of their seats. And when Cece Winans took the microphone, her rendition of “Don’t Cry For Me” got the whole church standing, she rounded off with “Jesus Loves Me”.
And when Pastor Marvin Winans was called on to preach, he invited all the Winans in the church (except his mum) on stage to sing a song. His son, Marvin II led while he played the piano. He thereafter shared the Word. He drew his text from the book of Matthew 6:25 and the key word in his message was “prioritize”. He urged everyone watching the funeral across the world to seek the kingdom of God first and all other things shall be added unto them. He based it on the words of Jesus which he quoted that “no one can serve two masters; you cannot serve God and money”.
Whitney Houston will be buried on Sunday.