Watch CBS News

Roxbury Church Remembers Houston For Singing At Funeral For Brown's Mom

BOSTON (CBS) - Whitney Houston had a voice like no other and some Boston residents had the honor of hearing it in person.

Check: Coverage from Mix 104.1 | Coverage From CBSLA

"We didn't even know she was coming. It was quite a surprise and an honor," said Henrietta Gerald of Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury.

Gerald remembers the time when Houston sang at the church for the funeral of her ex-husband Bobby Brown's mother.

WBZ-TV's Paul Burton reports.

"Whitney sang 'Precious Lord Take My Hand.' It was inspiring, awe-inspiring. It was wonderful to see her," said Gerald.

Some of Bobby Brown's family members often attended Twelfth Baptist Church.

Folks who attended the funeral said hearing Houston perform in person is something they will never forget.

"The entire crowd stood to its feet. There wasn't a dry eye in the church when she finished," Gerald.

Gerald said now that Houston is gone, it sure brings back a lot of memories.

Read: Bobby Brown "Deeply Saddened" By Whitney's Death

"And unfortunately it was a short life, but one that certainly touched this whole community," said Gerald.

Folks at the church said they were speechless when they first heard of Houston's death. They couldn't believe it was true.

Now that it's sinking in, they said they were so fortunate and blessed to be able to hear her sing even though it was for a very sad occasion.

What was your favorite Whitney Houston song? What's your lasting memory of her? Comment below!

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.