MANUEL ORREGO-SAVALA WHO KILLED NFL PLAYER EDWIN JACKSON SENTENCED TO 16 YRS PRISON

MANUEL ORREGO-SAVALA WHO KILLED NFL PLAYER EDWIN JACKSON IS SENTENCED TO 16 YRS IN PRISON (ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT):

MANUEL ORREGO-SAVALA (FROM GUATEMALA) WAS DRUNK DRIVING, KILLED EDWIN JACKSON & HIS UBER DRIVER, THEN COWARDLY LEFT THE SCENE.

SAVALA IS ANOTHER REASON WHY AMERICA DOES NOT NEED OPEN BORDERS BUT NEEDS LOGICAL ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION REFORM ASAP.

IMMIGRATION REFORM IS NOT RACISM AGAINST LATINOS.....IT’S LAW AND ORDER TO PROTECT OUR NATION.


Post Sources: AP, Fox News, NBC News, Youtube


****** Guatemalan Man living illegally in USA gets 16 years for crash that killed Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson and an Uber driver


A man from Guatemala living illegally in the U.S. was sentenced Friday to the maximum of 16 years in prison for a drunken-driving crash that killed Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson and his Uber driver.

Manuel Orrego-Savala, 37, pleaded guilty in July to two counts of operating a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol content of .15 or more, causing death. The sentence marked the maximum possible under his plea agreement.

Investigators said Orrego-Savala had a blood-alcohol content of 0.19 — nearly 2 ½ times Indiana's legal limit — when his F-150 truck crashed into Jackson and his Uber driver, Jeffrey Monroe, 54, on Feb. 4 along Interstate 70 in Indianapolis.

Monroe, of Avon, Indiana, had pulled over when the 26-year-old Jackson became ill. Both men were standing outside Monroe's car on the highway's shoulder when Orrego-Savala's truck crashed into them.

Authorities said Orrego-Savala was walking away from the crash when a state trooper detained him. Under his plea agreement, prosecutors dropped two counts of failing to remain at the scene of an accident.

A Marion County judge sentenced Orrego-Savala after hearing an emotional testimony from Monroe’s widow, Deborah Monroe, and Jackson's mother. The widow told Orrego-Savala that the crashed killed “the greatest love of my life” and destroyed their retirement plans that included travel and fulfilling her husband’s dream of going to the Great Wall of China.

"My family and I are serving a life sentence because of you," she said, speaking directly to Orrego-Savala, who kept his head lowered during much of Friday's hearing.

"You're a drunk, a liar, a murderer and a coward," Monroe said.

Jackson grew up in Atlanta and started eight games for the Colts during the 2016 season, finishing third on the team with 61 tackles. Jackson was considered a possible starter at inside linebacker for 2017 but missed the season after suffering a training camp injury.

His mother, Mary Ellen Powell Jackson, told the court she was preparing to leave Sunday services when she learned that he had died in a crash in a phone call.

Our hearts have been ripped apart and we're always asking, 'Why Edwin?'" she said, recalling him as a hardworking, handsome athlete, and a good, obedient and caring son who had "a heart of gold."

Orrego-Savala was deported in 2007 and 2009. Federal authorities said he illegally re-entered the U.S. and faces federal immigration charges that could potentially result in a 10-year sentence, said Jeremy Johnson, a Marion County deputy prosecutor.

“I’m grateful he was an illegal immigrant because our federal government will give him 10 more years. So that’s 26 years he’ll spend in prison for what he did,” Monroe said according to FOX 59.

JUSTICE ANTONIN SCALIA'S FUNERAL MASS (A GREAT MAN)

JUSTICE ANTONIN SCALIA'S FUNERAL MASS:

A GREAT MAN & CONSTITUTIONAL EXPERT MURDERED FOR 2016 POLITICS.

Sources: AP, MSN, PBS, Youtube

**** Scalia Remembered For Love Of God, Country, Family

 Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was remembered Saturday as a man who loved God, country and family at a funeral Mass capping two days of mourning for a jurist who left a long and sometimes provocative legacy on the nation.

Scalia's son Paul — a Catholic priest — led the service and mixed humor with reverence for the conservative icon and father of nine who died unexpectedly last weekend.

"Sure he forgot our names at times or mixed them up, but there are nine of us," Scalia told thousands of mourners at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

"He loved us and sought to show that love and sought to share the blessing of the faith he treasured," Scalia said.

Dignitaries including Vice President Joe Biden, former Vice President Dick Cheney, members of Congress and all eight sitting justices of the Supreme Court were among those attending.

Scalia's sons and sons-in-law served as pallbearers, carrying his flag-draped casket up the steps of the basilica. Scalia lay in repose at the Supreme Court on Friday, where thousands of visitors came to honor one of the country's most influential conservative voices.

The service was a traditional Catholic funeral Mass filled with pageantry, celebrity and a little bit of humor. It was simple, with no formal eulogy, in keeping with the justice's philosophy that funerals should not be dominated by effusive praise.

Washington's archbishop Cardinal Donald Wuerl drew chuckles during opening remarks when he told the massive crowd that he would keep his comments brief "in keeping with your desire to have a simple parish family Mass."

Only two people read from Scripture. Leonard Leo, executive director of the conservative Federalist Society, read a passage from the Old Testament's Book of Wisdom. Justice Clarence Thomas read a passage from the New Testament's Book of Romans.

During the homily, Scalia's son recalled how his father reacted once after accidentally standing in his son's confessional line.

"He quickly departed it. As he put it later, 'Like heck if I'm confessing to you,'" the younger Scalia said. "The feeling was mutual,"

The Rev. Scalia joked that "the Roman collar was not a shield against his criticism."

The younger Scalia also honored his mother, to whom the justice was married for 55 years, as "a woman who could match him at every step and could even hold him accountable."

The family departed for a private burial at an undisclosed site immediately after the Mass. A memorial service for Scalia has been set for March 1 at a Washington hotel.

Scalia, 79, died last weekend at a remote Texas ranch after spending nearly three decades on the high court. As the court's most prominent conservative voice, Scalia was known for his biting dissents that mixed humor with scathing barbs.

He was known as a champion of originalism — interpreting the Constitution according to the meaning understood when it was adopted. He famously sparred with liberals who view the constitution as a "living document" and frequently declared in public speeches his view that the Constitution is "dead, dead, dead."

Several federal judges who are considered possible replacements for Scalia also attended the funeral Mass, including Judges Sri Srinivasan and Patricia Millett and Chief Judge Merrick Garland, all of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. They were joined by a who's who of the political and legal world in Washington.

President Barack Obama did not attend Saturday's funeral Mass, despite criticism from some Republicans. He and first lady Michelle Obama were among the more than 6,000 people who paid tribute to Scalia at the Supreme Court on Friday. Scalia's flag-draped casket rested on a funeral bier that first held President Abraham Lincoln's casket after his assassination.

GOP presidential hopeful Ted Cruz interrupted his campaign ahead of Saturday's South Carolina primary to attend the Mass. The Texas senator has been among those urging the Senate not to consider replacing Scalia until after the November election. Obama has insisted that he will nominate a successor.

SCALIA'S BODY LIES IN REPOSE; OBAMA VISITS

ANTONIN SCALIA'S BODY LIES IN REPOSE:

PRES OBAMA & THE FIRST LADY PAY RESPECTS.

ONLY GOD & SCALIA KNOWS HOW HE REALLY DIED.

September 26, 1986 – February 13, 2016

Sources: CBS News, Fox News, YouTube 

**** Mourners Pay Respects To Late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia

Dignitaries and tourists alike are flocking to the Supreme Court on Friday to pay tribute to the late Justice Antonin Scalia.

Scalia's casket lies in repose on the Lincoln catafalque in the court's Great Hall as mourners file through during a daylong remembrance honoring one of the court's most influential members.

The justice's former law clerks will take turns standing vigil by their former boss throughout the day and night in a tradition most recently observed after the 2005 death of former Chief Justice William Rehnquist.

Scalia's casket arrived Friday morning, with Supreme Court police carrying it up the marble steps. Scalia's former clerks followed as honorary pallbearers.

After the private ceremony, Scalia's casket will be on public view from 10:30am until 8:30pm.

The President and First Lady paid their respects Friday afternoon and met privately with some members of Justice Scalia's family, according to White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest. The president and Mrs. Obama "extended their personal condolences on behalf of the nation, and expressed gratitude for Justice Scalia's decades of public service, Earnest said.

Father Paul Scalia, Justice Scalia's son, will deliver the homily at the funeral mass on Saturday. The service will be held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

Scalia died Saturday at age 79. He joined the court in 1986 and was its longest-serving justice. He sat to the right of Chief Justice John Roberts, the seat given to the senior justice. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Jane, nine children and 36 grandchildren.

OBAMA NOT ATTENDING SCALIA'S FUNERAL; WHITE HOUSE DEFENDS

OBAMA NOT ATTENDING SCALIA'S FUNERAL; WHITE HOUSE DEFENDS:

Sources:  CNN, The Hill, YouTube 

**** White House Defends Obama's Decision To Skip Scalia's Funeral

The White House is defending President Obama’s decision not to attend the funeral of the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and pushed back on critics who called it a deliberate snub. 

White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Thursday it makes sense to send Vice President Biden to the funeral instead because his “security footprint is a little bit lighter” and he has a longtime relationship with Scalia’s family.

"We believe we have settled on an appropriate and respectful arrangement," the spokesman said.

Earnest called it disrespectful for Obama’s critics to use the funeral “as some sort of political cudgel."

"The president doesn't think that that's appropriate, and in fact, what the president thinks is appropriate is respectfully paying tribute to high-profile patriotic American citizens even when you don't agree on all the issues," he said. "And that's what he's going to do."

In lieu of attending the funeral, the president and first lady Michelle Obama are paying their respects to Scalia and his family on Friday while his body lies in repose in the Great Hall of the Supreme Court. 

But Republicans have slammed Obama for not attending the funeral of the longtime conservative justice, interpreting it as a sign of disrespect to someone who was often at odds with the president. 

The criticism comes at a crucial time for the president, who is making a long-shot bid to get nominee confirmed by the GOP-controlled Senate in an election year.

Republican senators have already vowed to block any nominee Obama puts forth, but his decision not to attend the funeral further inflamed the debate.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a 2016 presidential candidate, on Thursday dubbed Obama “a lawless and faithless president who's eager to travel to Cuba but unwilling to attend the funeral of Justice Scalia.” 

The White House hasn’t said what the president will be doing during Scalia’s funeral on Saturday, which will be held at the Basilica of the National Shrine in Northeast Washington. 

Biden was a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee when President Ronald Reagan nominated Scalia in 1986. He joined 98 other senators who voted to confirm him. He said seven years later it was the vote he most regretted "because he was so effective."

The vice president said Saturday that Scalia would be remembered as "one of our most influential justices."

Obama also honored Scalia's contributions to the high court during a statement on Saturday after his death.

"He influenced a generation of judges, lawyers, and students, and profoundly shaped the legal landscape," the president said. "He will no doubt be remembered as one of the most consequential judges and thinkers to serve on the Supreme Court."

Andy Griffith Endorsed Obama & Angered Some NC Residents; Buried Tuesday On Roanake Island R.I.P.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The Late Southern Actor Andy Griffith was laid to rest on Roanoake Island in Dare, NC the SAME Day of his Death, Tuesday July 3, 2012.

Andy a WHITE North Carolina Native, and Democrat, was also a Proud Supporter of Pres. Barack Obama’s Election.

Pres. Obama’s Ethnicity did NOT matter to Andy, he just wanted a Democratic President to Win.

In 2008 Andy and his Co-Star “Son” Ron Howard (Opie) even filmed a Campaign for Pres. Obama.

Andy also filmed a more recent video expressing his Support for Pres. Obama’s Affordable Health Care Act.

What a Wonderful Display of Racial Equality & Acceptance.

Of course many people within North Carolina’s WHITE Power Structure Strongly Disapproved of Andy’s Endorsement of a BLACK Man leading this Country.

This includes both Democrats & Republicans.

If only other WHITE Citizens from the State of North Carolina, could be more like the late Andy Griffith, this region of the United States would begin to express Progress more rapidly.

Isn’t it time for North Carolina to Abandon the Klu Klux Klan's RACIST Philosophy and to Embrace Diversity. REAL, 21st Century Diversity?

R.I.P. Andy Samuel Griffith June 1, 1926 – July 3, 2012



Andy Griffith was a Democrat, and N.C. disapproved

So many people wanted to place Andy Griffith in the past, in a place
that never really was.

Griffith himself preferred to live in the present.

There was surprise and some disappointment when in 2008, Griffith reteamed with his TV son, Ron Howard, to reprise their roles in a black-and-white, tongue-in-cheek, pro-Obama video message.

The president, in a statement mourning Griffith, who died on Tuesday, said, “A performer of extraordinary talent, Andy was beloved by generations of fans and revered by entertainers who followed in his footsteps.”

Griffith supported another Democrat, N.C. Gov. Bev Perdue, in her campaign.

Counting down the days of her lame-duck tenure and fresh off the GOP legislature’s successful override on three bills she vetoed, she said in her statement: “Throughout his career, he represented everything that was good about North Carolina: a small town boy and UNC graduate who took a light-hearted approach to some of the attributes he grew up with and turned them into a spectacularly successful career.”

In 2010, an ad in support of health care legislation seriously dented Griffith’s approval numbers in his beloved North Carolina, a poll showed. Which was enough of a shock that a Democratic consultant suggested to the News & Observer, “It's a good time to call up Barney Fife.”

I get the feeling Griffith didn’t crave a sidekick at those moments; he mainly made up his own mind about things like that.

If he had done what a lot of folks, including me, wanted, he would have starred in more films like 1957’s “A Face in the Crowd.” That Elia Kazan classic revealed a dark heart beneath the lead character’s country charm while making prescient points about the dangers of media manipulation and the unleashed egos of the powerful.

Griffith instead preferred to serve up Southern comfort that confounded stereotypes without rocking the boat.

Griffith said in interviews that Mayberry was meant to be a throwback – and it was no doubt an escape for many – though its portrait of loving, understanding parents and respectful children who learned from their wiser, slyer elders was subversive in its own way. Perdue said, “In an increasingly complicated world, we all yearn for the days of Mayberry.”

Not all.

In the idealized small town of Mayberry, reminiscent of Griffith’s own Mount Airy, N.C., hometown, not much happened. When “The Andy Griffith Show” made its television debut in fall of 1960, of course, history-making change roiled the actor’s own North Carolina, with the image of Southern sheriff a ways off from Andy Taylor’s folksy friendliness.

Earlier that same year, four students from North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro challenged segregation with the first sit-in, at a F.W. Woolworth lunch counter.

Mixing rose-colored fiction and real life, it would be nice to think Floyd the barber would have given those nice young men a shave and a haircut in Mayberry.

But not even Griffith believed that. A former colleague told me about a call back from Griffith to answer a question on race that he had stumbled on in an interview; it was about his decision to skirt that particular lesson in “The Andy Griffith Show.” It would have been the one thing Sheriff Andy could not have solved in a half-hour, he figured, so he left it alone, my friend reported.

But the man who thought a long time about that question lived to see his home state give a close victory to the black man he supported.




Andy Griffith Already Laid to Rest as President Obama Pays Respects, Tributes Keep Pouring In

Andy Griffith, who died this morning, has been buried on the grounds of his farm on North Carolina's Roanoke Island, according to Twiford Funeral Homes. A small group of family and friends held a private service beforehand.

But though Griffith was swiftly transported to his final resting place, the tributes to the Andy Griffith Show and Matlock star haven't ceased since news of his passing at 86 broke just hours ago, with everyone from James Van Der Beek to President Barack Obama paying their respects.





Andy Griffith buried shortly after death, source says


The body of Andy Griffith, a North Carolina native and actor who for years won over audiences with his folksy appeal, was buried Tuesday morning less than five hours after he died.

He passed away at around 7 a.m. ET at his home on Roanoke Island, authorities reported.

At the request of his family, Griffith's body was lowered into a grave on the island at about 11:30 a.m. ET, according to a funeral spokesperson who declined to be named, citing the sensitivity of the matter.

"It had been planned for some time," said the spokesperson, who declined to reveal where on the island the body was buried.

"This was the wish of his family."

Most known for his role as the sheriff of Mayberry on the CBS series "The Andy Griffith Show," Griffith died Tuesday after an unspecified illness and "has been laid to rest on his beloved Roanoke Island," the family said in a statement.

But the speed with which the public learned of his death and was informed of his burial seemed especially fast, according to some observers.

"It's not very common," said Larry F. Stegall, executive director of the state's Funeral Directors Association. "I don't recall having heard of it, and I've been here 32 years."

Traditional funeral customs often allow for a more extended period between death and burial, so family and friends may have more opportunity to visit and pay their respects.

Still, said Stegall, "the family's wishes are always abided by."

"Andy was a person of incredibly strong Christian faith and was prepared for the day he would be called Home to his Lord," Griffith's wife, Cindi, said in a statement on Tuesday.

A member of the Television Hall of Fame, Griffith also was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame and Museum in 2007. His 1996 album, "I Love to Tell the Story -- 25 Timeless Hymns," netted him a Grammy Award.

Born in Mount Airy, North Carolina, in 1926, Griffith was a 1949 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received a degree in music.


President Obama Remembers Andy Griffith


Andy Griffith, who charmed audiences for half a century as an actor, comedian, and gospel singer, died today in his home in Manteo, North Carolina. He was 86.

Griffith, known for his iconic roles as the sheriff of Mayberry and the defense attorney Ben Matlock, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.

This afternoon, President Obama marked his passing, saying, "A performer of extraordinary talent, Andy was beloved by generations of fans and revered by entertainers who followed in his footsteps."


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Sources: ABC News, AP, CBS News, CNN, EOnline, FunnyorDie, Liveleak, MSNBC, Washington Post, WCNC, WRAL, Youtube, Google Maps

Rodney King's Funeral Eulogized By Rev. Al Sharpton: R.I.P. My Courageous Brother

Rodney King Laid To Rest At Forest Lawn

One of Rodney King’s daughters remembered him not as a civil rights figure, but as a “gentle giant” of a father, as he was buried Saturday.

“I will remember his smile, his unconditional love,” said Laura Dene King, 28, to a phalanx of news cameras outside the Hall of Freedom at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills, where her father was about to be interred.

“He was a great father, a great friend, he loved everyone. People will just have to smile when they think of him,” she said.

Rev. Jesse Jackson and other civil rights luminaries were planning to attend today’s funeral for King, whose beating at the hands of Los Angeles police in 1992 crystallized the nation once again over race relations.

King, 47, was found in cardiac arrest two weeks ago at the bottom of his swimming pool in Rialto.

He died at a nearby hospital.

Toxicology results are still pending.

At a pre-funeral news conference, MSNBC commentator Rev. Al Sharpton said King “bore his scars with grace and dignity, and he never showed bitterness to the officers who beat him.

“People should not be judged by the mistakes that they make, but by how they rise above them,” Sharpton said. “Rodney had risen above his mistakes, he never mocked anyone, not the police, not the justice system, not anyone.

“He became a symbol of forgiveness,” Shaprton said.

Donors large and small had chipped in for the funeral and other arrangements, and filed into the faux-colonial structure at the cemetery. TV producer Anthony Zuiker donated $10,000, and said he was at the funeral “to be with Rodney’s family.

“We lost a symbol, but they lost a loved one,” said Zuiker, creator of the “CSI” franchise. “Rodney was a healer.”

King’s longtime attorney, Steven Lerman, said most people made incorrect assumptions about King, not knowing his real background. King had grown up in a mixed-race environment in middle-class Altadena, Lerman said today.

King’s plaintive “can we all just get along” lament, at the height of the vicious L.A. Riots, was a direct reflection of that background, and of the tolerance taught to King by his mother, Odessa King, Lerman said.

“That didn’t just come out of the blue,” he said,.

“There was a certain playfulness in his spirit that always shined through,” Lerman said. He recalled his disbelief when King told him he had never seen the Watts Towers, a South Central L.A. landmark, and his joy at seeing them for the first time.

Today’s services were held nearly two weeks after King’s death, a delay that family members attributed to financial woes and disagreement about how it was to be handled. In the end, the family decided for a public ceremony, and allowed a pool TV camera inside.





Rodney King remembered at funeral as forgiving man

Rodney King was remembered in Los Angeles on Saturday as a forgiving man who bore the scars of his infamous beating with dignity.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, who delivered the eulogy at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, said before the funeral that King never showed bitterness to the officers who beat him.

"People should not be judged by the mistakes that they make, but by how they rise above them," Sharpton said outside the Hall of Freedom at the sprawling cemetery grounds. "Rodney had risen above his mistakes.

He never mocked anyone — not the police, not the justice system, not anyone."

"He became a symbol of forgiveness," Sharpton said.

The funeral came nearly two weeks after King was found dead at the bottom of the swimming pool at his Rialto, Calif. home on June 17.

He was 47.

Family members held a private service early in the day, followed by a public memorial and burial. Mourners signed a guest book and surveyed newspaper clippings from the days when King dominated headlines in 1991 and 1992.

A large photograph of a smiling King was set on an easel.

Daughter Laura Dene King, 28, said she was proud to have had her father in her life for as long as she did, especially considering she almost lost him when she was six years old.

"I will remember his smile, his unconditional love," she said.


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Sources: AP, CBS Local, CBS News, CNN, Youtube, Google Maps

George Zimmerman Demonstrated Predisposition For Aggressive, Violent Behavior: "Jekyll and Hyde"

I want to remind everyone some Witnesses, Legal & Behavior Experts conclude George Zimmerman has a Predisposition for demonstrating Aggressive, Violent Behavior. "Jekyll and Hyde"!







Report: Zimmerman described as "Jekyll and Hyde"

An anonymous former co-worker of George Zimmerman, the man who shot and killed unarmed teen Trayvon Martin five weeks ago, told a newspaper that Zimmerman "loved being in charge ... loved the power" and could become violent.

The New York Daily News reported Friday that Zimmerman was fired in 2005 from his job as a party security guard for being too aggressive, quoting a former co-worker as saying that "usually he was just a cool guy. ... But it was like Jekyll and Hyde. When the dude snapped, he snapped."

As the negative reports start to mount, Zimmerman's family has come to his defense.

Robert Zimmerman, Jr. stuck up for his brother to CNN's Piers Morgan Thursday night.

"He prevented his firearm from being taken from him and used against him, and that's called saving your life," he said.

Zimmerman said his brother shot Martin purely in self-defense, after the teenager attacked him last month. "You return force with force and when someone assaults you," he said. "George was out of breath. He was barely conscious.

The last thing that he remembers doing is moving his head from the concrete to the grass, so that if he was banged one more time, he wouldn't be wearing diapers for the rest of his life and being spoon-fed by his brother."

But critics, including Martin's parents, say recently released police surveillance video is proof Zimmerman's a liar. Seen on the tape, Zimmerman had no obvious face or head injuries.

Zimmerman Jr., Thursday night said his brother still had a broken nose. "His nose, I don't know about his head. I mean his nose is still healing. It's not healed.

Martin was buried in Miami. Richard Kurtz, the funeral director who prepared his body said, "We could see not physical signs like there had been a scuffle for fight."

Kurtz said Martin's chest had a gunshot wound, but his body had no other injuries. No marks on his hands from all the punches Zimmerman claimed had battered him.

A special prosecutor's now reviewing all the evidence, to decide whether Zimmerman can legitimately claim he killed to save his own life.


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Sources: CBS News, CNN, NY Daily News, Google Maps

Bobby Brown Needs Prayer NOT Unfair Judgment! Leave Bobby Alone!

Everyone needs to Pray for Bobby Brown NOT Judge Him Or Bash Him.

Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.





Bobby Brown Bailed Over Seating Dispute

Bobby Brown was asked to leave Whitney Houston's funeral today ... after he got into an argument with Whitney's family over whether or not he could bring nine people into the church with him ... TMZ has learned.

Brown was spotted going into the church today in Newark, NJ ... but was seen leaving shortly thereafter.

According to our sources, Brown was invited, plus two, but instead showed up with an entourage of nine people. We're told Bobby became upset when he found out they would not seat his whole party.

Our sources say Bobby wanted to sit with his daughter, Bobbi Kristina, but Whitney's family was not having it.

We're told Rev. Jesse Jackson tried to smooth things over ... but to no avail.

Rev. Al Sharpton spoke of the incident with Bobby as he left the church, saying, "He showed nothing but love and respect for Whitney. I wish people would leave Bobby alone" (see video below).

Brown issued a statement later on, saying, "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."

He continued, "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."


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Sources: AP, CNN, Daily Mail, TMZ, Google Maps

Whitney Elizabeth Houston Is Laid To Rest At Fairview Cemetery R.I.P.

Whitney Houston's journey 'home' ends


Whitney Houston's journey "home" ends with a private burial in New Jersey on Sunday as questions persist about what caused the superstar's death.

A crowd gathered at the entrance to
Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, south of Newark, where Houston's body arrived at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield late Sunday morning.

She was laid to rest next to her father in the cemetery, located south of Newark.

Her burial brings an end to her "coming home," as her family dubbed the invitation-only memorial service held a day earlier at her childhood church in Newark.

The family-only burial is in contrast to the emotionally-charged, star-studded memorial service held at New Hope Baptist Church, where Houston, nicknamed "Nippy," was soloing in the junior choir by age 11.

"Jesus Loves Me" was the last song Houston sang in public before her death on February 11 in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 48.

So it was fitting that the mourners -- comforted and encouraged by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys and R. Kelly -- heard the simple, but powerful, "Jesus Loves Me," this time performed by CeCe Winans.

The mourners inside the church represented an amalgamation of Houston's life, from childhood friends to gospel singers, from music stars to movie stars.

"You literally felt like this was just a girl from New Jersey who had a few famous friends, and it was such a celebration of life," CNN producer Raelyn Johnson, who attended the funeral, said Sunday.

"It is the same church service that will go on in so many churches across the country this morning ... and it was celebration, it was singing, it was praise for three hours." Johnson said. "And it wasn't until the very end that you remembered that this was a funeral and a very sad day for a lot of people."

Kevin Costner, who cast Houston in her first role alongside him in "The Bodyguard," recalled how she questioned whether she was good enough, beautiful enough to be cast in the film.

"It was the burden that made her great and the part that caused her to stumble in the end," he said.

For her closest friends inside the church, and strangers who continue to draw inspiration from her voice, Costner's words hit a painfully honest note about human frailty.

Years after "The Bodyguard" hit theaters, reports of Houston's struggles with drug addiction and a rocky marriage with Bobby Brown surfaced and her album sales declined.

"The inexplicable burden that comes with fame," Costner said. "Call it doubt. Call it fear. I've had mine. I know the famous in the room have had theirs."
Costner said Houston's own story could help a new generation of young girls who dream big.

"Maybe they're thinking they aren't good enough," he said. "I think Whitney would tell you: Guard your bodies. Guard the precious miracle of your life. Then sing your hearts out, knowing that there's a lady in heaven who's making God himself wonder how He created something so perfect."

One of the most emotional moments in the service came when Keys recalled how Houston helped her and others achieve success.

"She reached back to so many people; she reached back to me, to Monica and Brandy ... and just made us feel strong and capable and loved," she said.

Keys ended her tribute to Houston by singing "Send Me an Angel," her voice soaring into the rafters of the sanctuary.

Oprah Winfrey, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Spike Lee were among those who attended.

"It wasn't until the very last moment that you pinched yourself and said, 'There's Oprah Winfrey with a face full of tears, there's Tyler Perry with a face full of tears," said Johnson, recalling the moment that Houston's casket was carried out of the church. "It all really sunk in and got really, really heavy."

Houston's former husband, Bobby Brown, also arrived at the service but left soon after. Brown walked by Houston's casket with his head down before the service began and then left. Brown accused security of treating his family badly and barring him from visiting with his daughter, an account that Houston's family denied.

Brown was expected to attend with two guests but showed up with 10 people and sat in a section reserved for family, a close friend of the Houston family told CNN on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

When Brown refused to reseat his entourage to make room for Houston's mother, the family asked police to intervene, the family member said.

Mourners heard only a few indirect references to her personal battles.

A close family friend told CNN recently that Houston had not used "hard drugs" for several years. Investigators are examining prescription drugs found in her hotel room.

At the time of her death, Houston was in the Los Angeles area for the annual Grammy Awards and was to attend a party hosted by her longtime mentor and record producer, Clive Davis. She was discovered dead in her hotel suite at the upscale Beverly Hilton.

Investigators are contacting doctors and pharmacies across the country, seeking answers about prescriptions found in Houston's hotel room and whether they played a role in her death, a source with knowledge of the investigation recently told CNN.

The source spoke on condition of anonymity citing the ongoing investigation.
Houston's death certificate is only fueling speculation after coroners deferred making a determination as to the cause of death pending the outcome of toxicology tests.

The investigation also sparked questions on her behavior during her final days, with authorities examining video from her television appearances as well as other reports to determine her physical state leading up to her death on the eve of the Grammy Awards, the source said.


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Sources: AP, CNN, Daily News, Jet Magazine, Johnson Publications, NJ.com, TMZ, Google Maps

Donnie McClurkin Performs "Stand" At Whitney Houston's Home Going Service R.I.P.

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Whitney Houston's Home Going Service Highlights: R.I.P.

Pastor Marvin Winans, February 18, 2012, Newark, NJ, Whitney Houston's Home Going Service:
"God works all things after the counsel of his own will.
To Understand that you are NOT a mistake,
that you are not a mishap but that God had a Purpose before he ever created a person.
And that your existence on Earth has Significance.
So you recognize that you did NOT just show up but that God had a purpose for you."














Whitney Houston's Home Going Service Highlights


1) Bobby Brown was seen storming out of the church shortly before the service began

2) Gave a statement afterwards saying: 'I fail to understand why security treated my family this way'

3) Boyfriend Ray J reached out and touched the casket as it was led out, overcome with emotion

4) Kevin Costner fought back tears as he shared memories of his long friendship with the star

5) Aretha Franklin 'too ill' to sing or attend service

6) Alicia Keys wept as she remembered her friend

7) Cousin Dionne Warwick officiated the ceremony

8) Mentor Clive Davis said: 'You wait a life time for a voice like that to come along'

9) Revealed singer told him she was kicking her old habits and said she would be 'ready by August'

10) Stevie Wonder said Whitney was his crush in his fantasy world

11) Mother Cissy Houston wrote on the program: 'I thank God for the beautiful flower he allowed me to raise and cherish for 48 years'

As her silver casket was carried out of the church where she first sang as a child, Whitney Houston's unforgettable voice could be heard singing her greatest hit I Will Always Love You, reducing many mourners to tears, as the star made her final journey before being laid to rest.

Whitney’s mother Cissy followed right behind the casket and had to be supported by two helpers as she tearfully watched her only daughter’s coffin being taken out.

Bobbi Kristina followed closely behind as the sobs of Cissy Houston could be heard throughout the church as she wailed: 'My baby!'

Shortly before the service began, the star's distraught ex-husband Bobby Brown was seen storming out of the church after arguing with Houston's family over the number of guests he was allowed to bring to the service.

The late singer will be laid to rest tomorrow alongside her father John Houston.

The casket will be watched by 10 security guards until her burial, TMZ reported.

Among the mourners at today's highly-charged service, were singers Chaka Khan, Brandy, Roberta Flack, Jordin Sparks and Jennifer Hudson. Singer Ray J, who spent time with Houston during her last days, broke down crying before the service had even begun.

Mother Cissy and daughter Bobbi Kristina, 18, were in the front row, both in black, both with heads bowed in grief.

After storming out, Bobby Brown was driven away from the funeral but later returned in time for the start of the home going service.

Brown got into an argument with Whitney's family over whether or not he could bring nine people into the church with him. He was invited and told he could bring two people but instead showed up with an entourage of nine.

Bobby reportedly became upset when he was told his party could not be seated. He was also refused to sit beside his daughter Bobbi Kristina in the front row.

In a statement put out by his representative after the funeral ended, he explained: '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.'

Speaking to CNN, Rev Al Sharpton said: ‘I talked to Bobby. He came to show love and respect to Whitney and Bobbi Kristina. He said all he wanted was to show respect and love. Bishop T. D. Jakes and I spoke to him earlier and he just wanted to show his respects.’

Speaking afterwards, Narada Michael Walden, who produced some of Houston's hits, said it was a 'beautiful service'.

He said: 'Everyone was feeling Whitney's spirit in there, it was beautiful.

'Steve Wonder changed the lyrics of his song to honour her.

It was a great way to remember her'.

Another mourner said: 'It was a wonderful homecoming'.

Legendary singer Roberta Flack, who was among the mourners, said: 'It was incredible and very emotional.

'It was very much something that Whitney as an exquisite and exceptional musician would have loved.

'During the service I could not help but think how young she was.'

Whitney’s body was taken back to the funeral home directly afterwards and took the mile journey along the streets that she grew up in.

The service started off with a brief welcome by City Mayor Cory Booke, pastor Joe Carter took to the altar to read some scripture and start the celebration of Whitney's life.

He said: 'Whitney you are the only woman who could bring all of us together, Whitney today is your day.'

A program featuring a picture of Houston looking skyward read: 'Celebrating the life of Whitney Elizabeth Houston, a child of God'. Pictures of Houston as a baby, with her mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston and daughter, Bobbi Kristina filled the program.

'I never told you that when you were born, the Holy Spirit told me that you would not be with me long,' Cissy Houston wrote her daughter in a letter published in the program. 'And I thank God for the beautiful flower he allowed me to raise and cherish for 48 years.'

'Rest, my baby girl in peace,' the letter ends, signed 'mommie'.

Gospel singer Donnie McClurken was the first soloist to sing. He performed Stand which was a request from the Houston family. As he came up to sing he briefly stopped to greet Whitney’s mother Cissy and her daughter Bobbi Kristina.

Members of the congregation stood up and started raising their hands and praising as Donnie McClurken sang to the congregation accompanied by the large gospel choir.

Dionne Warwick, who is officiating the service and introducing the guests to the congregation, told McClurkin after his performance: 'This song means a lot to Cissy and a great deal to Whitney so thank you.'

She then invited Tyler Perry to come and say a few words.

He started by saying: 'It was Pat (Whitney’s sister-in-law) that introduced me to Whitney. I met her a few years ago. She told me about things that she went through. I saw this sadness and heaviness.

'But before she would say what was bothering her she would interrupt and say "But the Lord... But my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ". I’m thankful for all that God has done in her life.

'There was a grace that followed her through her life. There was a grace that kept on carrying her. She loved the Lord.'

He ended by saying: 'God bless you family. We love you Whitney.'

He told the story through tears and laughter at how giving their long term friend was.

Bebe Winans sang a heartfelt rendition of I Really Miss You. The lyrics of which speak of how much he will miss her ‘wit, charm, just want to hold you in my arms.’
'I’ll miss her voice when she will call. I’ll miss her smile most of all. I’m gonna miss you.’

During the song, Bebe’s voice broke as he became emotional and he ended the song in tears.

Dionne Warwick said: ‘That’s someone who truly knew Whitney. He loved the lord and still does.'

She then invited gospel singer Bebe Winans to come up and sing.

Bebe Winans and his sister CeCe Winans came up to the altar. CeCe was a close friend of Whitney’s and is Bobbi Kristina’s Godmother.

'Whitney invited us over to her home and we sat in her closet. It was a huge closet,’ Bebe said.

He told the story of how Whitney changed her tour so they would be the ones to headline instead of her which made ‘Clive Davies’ mad.

He said that she was doing it because they were ‘poor’ and she was ‘rich’ and she wanted to help them and get them more exposure.

Warwick then invited renowned pastor Bishop T. D. Jakes to the pew who met her on the set of the remake of Sparkle, Whitney’s final movie which will be released in August, which he helped to produce.

'Surrounded by friends and admirers enthralled by the beautiful Whitney Houston.

But that’s not what brings you here because you knew who she was. Not what she did. You shared her with the world and we just want to take a moment to say thank you,’ he opened up with saying.

He embarked on a sermon where he talked about the Bible and spoke of love being stronger than death.

'One day you’ll be driving and hear Whitney’s voice in your head, something that she said or did, and you’ll giggle. They may leave you outwardly but they never leave you inwardly,' he finished.

Kim Burrell was next to take to the altar. The gospel singer and pastor says Whitney helped her in the start in her career.

She was supposed to sing I Believe In You and Me, a favourite of Whitney’s, but she instead did a personalised version of A Change Is Going To Come, where she sang that a change had to come in Whitney’s life.

Her lyrics were directed to Whitney’s mother Cissy and sang about how she would get on her knees and pray for her daughter during all the trials and tribulations in her life.
'Whitney a change has come,’ she ended the song with, before going to hug Cissy.

The Bodyguard co-star Kevin Costner got up to share memories of his time with his beloved friend.

He started by saying: 'I would like to thank Cissy and Dionne for the honour of being here. Everyone treating my wife and I so gracefully.'

'The song I Will Always Love You almost wasn’t. She was meant to sing What Becomes of the Broken Hearted. So what becomes our broken hearts.

'For a moment we should dry our tears, suspend our sorrow and anger. Never forgot that Cissy and Bobbi Kristina are sitting among us.

'Your mother and I had a lot in common,' he said to Bobbi Kristina. 'He’s a boy, she’s a girl. I’m white, she’s black. You’d think we had nothing in common but we did.

'We both grew up in a Baptist church. My grandmother led the choir and played the piano.

Kevin told stories of his childhood in the church that Whitney enjoyed him telling her when they worked together including him 'drinking grape juice' in the back of the church.

He laughed: 'I can see her as a skinny girl running around this place, using her smile to get out of trouble and Cissy having enough of it. Whitney said she was waiting no whisper, her mother Cissy and cousin Dionne.

'As I’m sure of Whitney’s place in musical history. I’m also sure of how she felt about her mother. Was she good enough. Could I have done better.

Did they really like me or were they just being polite because they’re scared of you Cissy?’

He spoke about how there was initial anxiety about Whitney, a black woman, to play alongside Kevin Costner

He said that there was a sigh of relief when it turned out that Whitney was going to be able to do The Bodyguard because she was going to be one tour. But Kevin said he would wait a year for so she would be available.

'Whitney was nervous and scared that she wasn’t good enough for the role. But I told her I would be with her every step of the way.

'I wanted to tell her that the fame was rigged. That I didn’t care how the test went, that she could fall down and start speaking in tongues. That somehow it was a kind of acting method.

'The Whitney I knew despite her worldwide fame always worried. Am I good enough. Am I pretty enough. Will they like me. The part that made her great and the part that made her great was also the part that made her stumble.

'A lot of men could have played my role. But you Whitney were the only person who could have played Rachel Marron.

'People didn’t just like you Whitney. They loved you. I was your pretend bodyguard once. And now you’re gone too soon.

'What you did was the rarest of achievements. You set the bar so high. That your colleagues don’t even sing that little country song. What’s the point.

I think Whitney would tell you, little girls wanting to become singers. Guard your bodies and guard the precious miracle you have.'

Fighting back tears he said: 'Off you go Whitney, off you go. Escorted by an army of angels to your heavenly father. When you sing before him. Don’t you worry. You will be good enough.'

Singer Alicia Keys was next to perform and, introducing her Dionne Warwick said she was 'a young lady that Whitney adored'.

Alicia was tearful as she walked to the piano and spoke about her friendship with the singer.

'We called each other Meema. She was such a beautiful human being. Call you for no reason at all but just to say hi. And that’s rare I think sometimes.

'I feel like in so many ways she reached back to me and to Michael and Brandy and Jordin and all these young artists and made us feel strong and capable and loved. I think she is an angel to us. She has been an angel to us.'

Alicia then sang a medley of songs on the piano starting with Send Me An Angel, changing the lyrics to Whitney is an Angel.

She tightly embraced Cissy and Bobbi Kristina as she stepped off the altar.

Clive Davis was introduced next.

He was Whitney’s mentor and guided her career for decades. It was Davis’ annual pre-Grammy party that Whitney was getting ready for on Saturday February 11. She ran a bath in her room at the Beverly Hilton hotel but never made it out. She was found dead minutes later.

He said being in the church was helping him and told of how he lost his mother as a teen when his mother was 47 and he lost his father the following year.

'I’ve felt my mother’s guidance and she’s helped me through my life. You wait for a voice life Whitney’s for a lifetime. A voice like that. A smile like that. And for someone to embody all of those things is astounding.

'Whitney and I spent Tuesday afternoon at the Beverly Hills hotel [days before she died] and saw that she had applied some makeup. She was one beautiful woman.

'We talked non-stop music. In the past every hit we shared was pure joy. When she broke that record of seven consecutive number ones. We felt utter disbelief. We pinched ourselves. She was never arrogant.

'Whitney held my hand when I worried about her getting The Bodyguard. But she dazzled in her close ups during Run To You. She captured the world forever with I Will Always Love You.

'Is there anyone who has sang Star Spangled Banner that remotely compares to her. Will there ever be?' he asked.

He spoke about the songs they listened to and recorded over the years and said the songs were ‘scorching his brain’ right now.

'Yes she spoke to Oprah about her searing battles but when I needed her she was there. She was there for me. And entirely loyal friend,. I believe in you and me.

'I was her industry father and was so proud of it. And Bobbi Kristina - she loved you so very much. She defined not only pure talent but true heart and soul. She will forever be looking after you and never let go of your hand. You should be so proud of your mother.

'She came to see me and was excited about the new cuts from her new movie Sparkle,' he said of the soundtrack.

'I’ve been swimming every day,’ Whitney told Clive. ‘I’m committed to getting my high notes back. No cigarettes. Clive I’ll be ready by August.

Well Whitney I will be ready by August. Everyone in heaven including God are waiting. And I just know you will raise the roof like no one has done before.’

Dionne went to introduce Aretha Franklin who was scheduled to perform but she had evidently not heard that that Aretha had pulled out due to illness and experiencing leg spasms.

'She loved Whitney as if she was born to her. She was her Godmother,’ Dionne said before introducing Ray Watson who was Whitney’s bodyguard.

'I was her bodyguard for almost 11 years. On the set of Sparkle everyone had left and I really wanted to go home.’

He shared a story about driving Whitney a far distance because she didn’t want to fly on that particular journey.

Watson said she was scared because he was carrying ‘precious cargo'.

'I lost a friend, a boss, a sister, but then your spirit came and saw me she said you are free. In those 11 years I was by her side. Through thick and thin,’ he said.

'God gave us an angel – to Miss Houston. We have to give back to our entertainers.

Treat them with dignity and with love. Stop ridiculing them,' he said which made people stand and applaud. 'This lady right here she loved you. I was with her almost every day and I know that.’

Stevie Wonder took to the piano next to serenade the congregation.

'Dionne, Cissy and to all the family, I want you to know - as have millions of people said - not just in this time but throughout her career, we loved her so much and that won’t stop,' he said.

'In my fantasy world I had a crush on Whitney,’ he laughed. 'I understand that Ribbons in the Sky is one of the ones that she liked a lot,’ Stevie said before explaining that he changed the lyrics to make it more appropriate for church and the occasion.

'What God gives is never a coincidence and more than a happenstance,’ he sang. ‘Who can lose with God on our side. And no more Whitney do you have to cry. You will always be our ribbon in the sky. And angel from God’s choir of love. Whitney an angel from the choir. From God’s choir of love.’

He received a standing ovation when he finished his heart-wrenching tribute to Whitney.

Pat Houston, Whitney’s manager and sister-in-law was next to speak.
'There is so much I could say about her. A life misunderstood.

Sometimes misunderstood even by herself,’ she said.

'When she did not want to do things she did them anyway. It is this special gift of giving. Some were jealous and envious but Whitney gave anyway. She knew in the final analysis it will be between her and God.

'My hope is that you will remember her. To my mother-in-law – the choice was always hers. There were people that God couldn’t heal,’ Pat said.

'Clive you were the rock that held her together professionally.

She referred to you as industry father. You gave her hope. Thank you for your excellence, your loving kindness, peace, dedication and most importantly your love for Whitney all these years.

'LA Reid there was much love for you. Clive was her industry father. You were her industry uncle.

'Her work ethics were impeccable. She put the spark in Sparkle and Krissy that was for you,’ she said of Whitney’s film role in Sparkle.

Pat then thanked a list of people including agents, managers, friends, Oprah, Tyler Perry, band members.

Cece Winans, Whitney’s close friend, gave a stirring performance of Don’t Cry For Me.
The Grammy-award-winning singer sang a duet with Whitney on the track Count on Me for the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack.

She then sang Yes Jesus Loves Me which was the final song that Whitney sang two days before her death.

Bobbi Kristina was seen putting her hand around the waist of her grandmother Cissy and comforting her as she bent over in tears.

Rickey Minor, Whitney’s musical director was the next to speak. He is the musical director for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno after leaving American Idol.

He spoke about Whitney’s style, grace and voice and saying that she changed his life.

They collaborated and worked together for 30 years and he shared one of his most memorable moments with her – when she sang the National Anthem at the Super Bowl.

He said that he had no idea her rendition would have been so successful and even enter the Billboard charts.

Rev Marvin Winans gave the eulogy and started by inviting his siblings and family members to sing the song Tomorrow which Whitney used to sing when she started out her career and was one of her favourites.

Moments after the drama singer Stevie Wonder arrived and was led up the church steps and through the front door.

It is thought the Houston family arrived in four limousines and were given a police escort with motorcycle outriders and two police cars at the front and the back of their convoy.

According to CNN, guests held in their hands an invitation with a cover featuring a photo of a smiling Houston. The six-page funeral program contained color family photos and a note from Cissy Houston, the singer's mother.

Close family friend Aretha Franklin, whom Houston lovingly called Aunt Ree, was expected to sing at the service but was too ill to attend, said a person close to the Houston family who was not authorized to talk about Franklin's decision and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Rev Jackson confirmed to CNN she would not be singing: 'She was at a tremendous event last night at Radio City [Music Hall].

She was up much of the night hosting guests, she had leg spasms.

'She's all right, but she can't do that and reconcile this with her feelings and her schedule.

The flower-covered casket arrived at the church where her powerful voice first wowed a congregation as family made final preparations to remember the pop superstar in her hometown.

Mourners at the New Hope Baptist Church, including the Rev Jesse Jackson, fell quiet as three police officers escorted Houston's silver casket, draped with white roses and purple lilies, a couple of hours before the service.

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 service marked exactly one week after the 48-year-old Houston -- one of music's all-time biggest stars -- was found dead in a Beverly Hills hotel in California. A cause of death has yet to be determined.

To the world, Houston was the pop queen with the perfect voice, the dazzling diva with regal beauty, a troubled superstar suffering from addiction and, finally, another victim of the dark side of fame.

To her family and friends, she was just Nippy.

A nickname given to Houston when she was a child, it stuck with her through adulthood and, later, would become the name of one of her companies. To them, she was a sister, a friend, a daughter, and a mother.

'She always had the edge,' Rev Jackson said outside the church on Saturday. 'You can tell when some kids have what we call a special anointing. Aretha had that when she was 14. Whitney cultivated that and took it to a very high level.

'The memories are so powerful, the music will be with us forever. We have a lot to rejoice about. Today we praise, we preach and we appreciate.

'Whitney had that special something.'

According to the invitation issued to the singer's friends and family, the ceremony was seen as a 'going home' service rather than a funeral.

The invitation, featuring a picture of the smiling star that appears to date back to the peak of her success in the early 1990s, stated: 'With heartfelt gratitude, the Houston family requests the honour of your presence at the home going service for Whitney Elizabeth Houston.'

Pastor Joe Carter, who read the scripture, said the service was a musical celebration of Whitney Houston's life.

Houston's South Orange grade-school principal Henry Hamilton said outside the funeral home before the service: 'It's a beautiful day, the sun is shining, she's up there, this is Whitney's day.'

Traffic cones lined the street outside the church where those attending were dropped off for the service.

The electronic sign outside the front simply read 'Whitney Houston' followed by her date of birth then the words: 'We will always love you'.

The streets around the building were closed off for six blocks on either side to ensure the public had no access to the surrounding area.

Most had also apparently followed police instructions not to attend. But small pockets of fans got as close to the church as they possibly could.

Before the service, they had already covered the front of the church in dozens of balloons, flowers and card that formed a deep 12ft by 6ft blanket by the entrance.

On the streets there was a heavy police presence with mounted officers patrolling around, a police helicopter flying overhead and police cars by barricades.

Houston's fans were so desperate to be at the service that some journeyed 500 miles from Canada or slept in their cars overnight by the church to be there.

With no single point of focus, they ended up grouping in bunches of 50-100 at various points around the perimeter of the fenced off zone singing Houston's hits like I Will Always Love You and I'm Every Woman.

Vendors sold T-Shirts and posters with Houston's name on them whilst one man used a pair of opera glasses to see what was going on. Others had radios they were carrying around with Houston's music blaring out of them.

Most of the fans wanted to be there on what they said was a 'historic day' but there was also frustration and anger that they had been kept back at least three blocks from the church with one man claiming Houston's mother Cissy had 'betrayed' them.


Melanie Moulton, 37, had set off in her car from her home in Whitby, Ontario in Canada at 3am on Friday and arrived in Newark around 2pm that afternoon. Her mother Rita, 61, had travelled with her too and the pair spent a night in a hotel nearby to make sure they were able to get a good spot.

The journey was around 500 miles and the pair estimated they spent 'hundreds of dollars' on the trip including gas and accommodation.

Melanie Moulton said: 'If I had lived on the other side of the world, I would still have come here today. I've loved Whitney since I was a girl and hearing her music made me to get into music production. It's just such a loss she has gone. She was my inspiration'.

Security guard Deehaven Murphy, 33, said: 'Whitney shows you how to love, she teaches you how to love. There will be a void in my life now she's gone.

'It's sad how we are being kept back so far and her mother should have let the real fans pay their respects. Her mother is responsible for this and she has snubbed the fans, she betrayed us.

Hairstylist Sheena Braxton, 46, and her friend Rochelle Johnson, 44, also a hairstylist, had worked through the night at their home in Waldorf, Maryland to print up T-Shirt in Houston's honour.

They hardly slept and set off at 5am to get to New Jersey.

Miss Braxton said she had printed up 144 T-Shirts that she was selling for $10 each as a 'tribute'.

She said: 'Whitney could touch you like nobody could imagine. There won't ever be anybody else like her.

'When I first heard the news I was at home on my couch and a chill came over my body and I said: 'No, not Whitney, no way'. I feel so close to her, her music touches your soul.
'I just wanted to be here to pay my respects. She meant so much to me.'

Yesterday, the late singer's family members - including her mother Cissy and daughter Bobbi Kristina - took the opportunity to pay their respects in private.

Bobbi Kristina, 18, seen for the first time since being rushed to hospital after collapsing through stress following her mother's passing, was seen arriving at Whigham Funeral Home in the singer's hometown of Newark, New Jersey, alongside her tearful grandmother Cissy Houston.

They were later joined by famous faces including Houston's life-long friend and mentor Clive Davis and as well as the singer's cousin Dionne Warwick.

Funeral director Caroline Whigham told the crowd gathered outside that the viewing 'was done in privacy between a mother, a daughter, two brothers and a family,' according to People magazine.

Cissy was escorted into the building by a priest and held hands with a woman in a crisp white shirt yesterday afternoon. The former gospel singer was dressed smartly in a black coat with an orange and brown leopard print scarf wrapped around her shoulders.

Whitney's daughter Bobbi Kristina, pictured in public for first time since she was rushed to hospital following the singer's death in a Beverly Hills hotel, arrived at the funeral home in dark jeans, white vest and a black jacket.

She appeared controlled as she entered the funeral home. 'There are moments when she is strong and moments when it all hits her,' a source told People magazine. 'She can't escape it.'

The 18-year-old is the daughter of Houston and her former husband Bobby Brown. It has been reported that the teen will now live with her grandmother 'indefinitely' according to HollywoodLife.com.

However, a new report on TMZ.com this morning claimed that Houston's family are keen for Bobbi Kristina to enter a 'live-in rehab facility' as soon as possible, but are willing to wait until after the funeral to allow the teenager time to grieve her mother's passing.

The website claims that Bobbi has, for the past three of four years, struggled with 'substance abuse issues', and her family are said to be keen for her to seek help before her problems get any worse.

The teenager hid her eyes between a pair of sunglasses and held the hand of a friend as she walked past security. Family and friends were greeted by what appeared to be an Egyptian-decorated casket outside the home.

As well as close family of Whitney in attendance friends also gathered together to pay their respects.

Aretha Franklin believed Whitney Houston had overcome her demons and was primed for a comeback, which made learning of the troubled singer’s death all the more shocking.

The Queen of Soul said she was watching TV in her hotel room in Charlotte, North Carolina, when she learned of Houston’s death in a hotel suite across the country in Beverly Hills, California.

She said she had seen recent video of Houston, 'and she looked fresh, she looked healthy and she looked gorgeous. And I thought, "Yes, she has conquered her challenges and she’s on the way".'

Now her fans should remember Houston for her artistry, Franklin said, and not focus on the challenges she faced with substance abuse.

Her last album, I Look To You, debuted on the top of the charts when it was released in 2009 with strong sales, but didn't have the staying power of her previous records. A tour the next year was doomed by cancellations because of illness and sub-par performances.

But a comeback was on the horizon. She was to star in the remake of the movie Sparkle and friends and family said she was working on new music.

Ray J, who was dating Whitney in the months before her death finally broke his silence.

The 31-year-old released a statement that said: 'Over the past few days, I've tried to process the emptiness that I am experiencing. What my heart feels cannot be expressed in words. The world lost an icon, but I lost my close friend.'

Alluding to a nickname given to Whitney by her father he added: 'Nippy, I miss you so much!'

'You were so happy and full of love. Your smile will live in my heart forever.'
Ray J was seen at LAX airport on Friday catching a flight to New Jersey ahead of Whitney's service today.

It has also revealed yesterday that Mel Gibson reached out to the I Didn’t Know My Own Strength singer a few years ago to try and deal with her addiction issues.
The Braveheart star was invited to the funeral by Whitney's family but is unable to attend because of prior family commitments, TMZ reports.

Police have reportedly obtained her medical records and are investigating what drugs were supplied to her in her final days.

No cause of death has been identified yet and officials are waiting for the results of toxicology tests.


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Sources: AP, CNN, Daily Mail, NJ.com, TMZ, Youtube, Google Maps