Here’s the official Whitney Houston invitation … and Whitney’s family is not referring to the singer’s burial ceremony as a “funeral” … but rather a “home going service.”
The invite — obtained by TMZ — reads, “With heartfelt gratitude, the Houston Family requests the honor of your presence at the home going service for Whitney Elizabeth Houston.”
A “home going” service is more common in the black community and is usually more upbeat and positive than a typical funeral. The focus is to honor the deceased as they go “home” to Heaven to be with God.
As we previously reported, the ceremony at The New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ will be a very exclusive affair … with a guest list hand-selected by Whitney’s family.
The event will begin at 12:00 PM EST — with several of Houston’s famous friends expected to participate in the service … including Kevin Costner, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin.
MORE WHITNEY NEWS
On Saturday, flags at New Jersey’s government buildings will be flown at half-staff in honor of Houston, who was born in Newark. Gov. Chris Christie has defended this decision in the face of fierce criticism.
To a Twitter user who accused him of flying flags half-staff for celebrities, but not for fallen soldiers, Christie responded, “Every NJ soldier who has been killed in action during my Adm had the flags lowered in their memory. Learn your facts before accusing.”
He added, “Not saying sacrifices were equivalent. Her cultural contributions 2 this state merit the honor, in my opinion. Sorry u disagree.” Christie further explained, “Flag being lowered for her cultural contributions as an artist & New [Jersey.] Her struggles w/substance abuse r a diff topic”
Related articles
- Christie Orders Flags Lowered To Half-Staff In Honor Of Whitney Houston (philadelphia.cbslocal.com)
- Whitney Houston’s Funeral Returns Her To New Jersey Roots (mtv.com)
- Whitney Houston Fans Advised to Stay Away from Singer’s Funeral (rollingstone.com)
I will be watching I thought they were going to have cece sing Aretha Franklin that will be interesting to watch. Hats of to gov Christi he must gone get his pockets lined too fat greedy bastard
everybody will be watching who paid for the funeral