Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images
Whitney Houston is one step closer to resting in peace.
After being
transported cross-country
yesterday, and touching down in New Jersey's Teterboro Airport last
night, the singer's remains, ensconced in a golden hearse, made their
way to the Whigham Funeral Home late yesterday. The home has been tasked
with organizing the funeral service of the 48-year-old icon and today
made its first official announcement as to its plans.
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Despite
earlier reports
speculating that a memorial would be held before the end of the week at
the Prudential Center, the owner of the funeral home spoke to media
this morning and announced instead that Whitney's funeral would be
taking place this Saturday at Newark's New Hope Baptist Church.
That much, at least, was hardly a surprise, as Houston was not only
born in Newark but got her singing start at that very church—where,
incidentally, her mother,
Cissy Houston, served as musical director and her cousin
Dionne Warwick also sang.
The ceremony will begin at noon and is invite-only. There are currently no plans for a public
memorial.
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No other details were given, but while the service will be a
private one, that won't stop mourning fans from turning up and offering
support at the venue, just as they did last night when Houston's body
arrived in the state.
The private jet carrying Houston's remains, reportedly owned by
Tyler Perry,
touched down in Jersey last night at 10:30 p.m. local time. Several
cars, including the gilded-looking hearse, were waiting as the plane
taxied into the hanger. From there, her body was driven straight to the
funeral home, where it was greeted not only by fans but by Houston's
grieving mother, Cissy, as well.
Reported by: Gina Serpe
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