GRAND RAPIDS -- Pastors, local officials and gospel music artists from throughout the country were on hand, amidst tears, shouts, songs, and tender tributes at the "Homegoing Service" for MaLinda Sapp on Thursday at Resurrection Life Church.
MaLinda Sapp, wife of gospel singer and local pastor Marvin Sapp, died last week after an 18-month struggle with colon cancer.
"This is a test of our faith," said Rev. Jesse Jackson, who was one of more than a dozen pastors and evangelists who spoke during the nearly 4-hour service.
"We are pained in the transition, but we rejoice in the destination," he told more than 2,000 mourners.
Several community leaders also spoke, including Grand Rapids Police Chief Kevin Belt and Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra music director David Lockington. Marvin Sapp also performed part of his hit song "Here I Am," which MaLinda, on her death bed, called "her song."
Among gospel music artists who performed in tributes were Israel Houghton, Karen Clark Sheard and Donnie McClurkin.
Two of the Sapp's three children, Mikaila, 13, and Madisson, 11, read a poem "Footprints in the Sand."
Gospel star Marvin Sapp and his children pay tribute to wife Malinda
Marvin Sapp has lost his wife and best friend, MaLinda Sapp to colon cancer. Supporters from all around the world have expressed their condolenses to Marvin Sapp and his family via their offical facebook page. Marvin Sapp was the pastor at Lighthouse Full Life Center Church where his wife was co-Pastor alongside him.
Dr MaLinda Sapp was a professional counselor, served as a manager for Marvin Sapp and had Executive Producer credits on many of his audio and video recordings.
The church and The official Marvin Sapp Facebook page had posted a message on its website asking for prayers for MaLinda Sapp.
Marvin and MaLinda were happily married for 15 years and have three children.
Marvin Sapp is one of gospel music's most popular stars. His 2008 song "Never Would Have Made It" set records for its duration on the charts, and he recently had a No. 1 hit on Billboard's gospel charts with the song "The Best in Me."
Pastor Marvin Sapp and his late wife, Malinda Sapp
Marvin Sapp will need to rely on his family and prayers to help him and his family deal with the tragic loss of his beloved wife, MaLinda Sapp.
The outpouring of prayers and love has been overwhelming. MaLinda died today due to complications related to colon cancer.
A mother of three, MaLinda also was the booking manager for her husband and played part in the production process of his timeless music, such as his latest albums, “Thirsty”, and “Here I Am”. Recently MaLinda was battling stage four cancer that had returned.
Fans are paying tribute on Twitter, just days after Marvin appealed to them to pray for his wife.
She and Marvin have three children together, Marvin II, 15, Mikaila, 12, and Madisson, 10.
Marvin experienced monumental success as his hit single “Never Would Have Made It” dominated the No. 1 position on R&B and gospel music charts (see video below).
In 2008, Marvin was interviewed saying that he had spent little time at his Michigan oasis with his beloved wife because of his music career.
This family Hearing this song “Never Would Have Made It” has so much more meaning now as he will have to keep strong for his children.
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