Aretha Franklin Funeral: A Celebration of Life

Aretha Franklin, the legendary soul singer, whose iconic songs have been celebrated for generations, has passed away. On August 16, 2018, Aretha Franklin was laid to rest in Detroit, Michigan. The world gathered to celebrate her life, and a funeral fit for a Queen was held. It was an emotional, but beautiful event that celebrated her life and her music.

The Funeral Procession

The funeral procession began in downtown Detroit, where thousands of people gathered to pay their respects to Aretha Franklin. The procession included a 1940 LaSalle hearse that was driven by a pink Cadillac and escorted by police officers on motorcycles. It also included a series of white limousines, carrying her close family and friends. The procession made its way to Detroit’s Greater Grace Temple, where the funeral service was held.

Celebrities in Attendance

The funeral service was attended by a long list of celebrities, including former President Bill Clinton, Smokey Robinson, Cicely Tyson, Faith Hill, Paula Abdul, and many others. The attendees were moved to tears by the performances and tributes from those who knew and loved Aretha Franklin, including her son, daughter, and granddaughter.

The Service

The funeral service began with a musical tribute by Jennifer Hudson, who sang Aretha Franklin’s classic hit, “Amazing Grace”. Other musical performances included Ariana Grande singing “Natural Woman” and Chaka Khan performing “Going Up Yonder”. The Reverend Jesse Jackson and Bishop Charles Blake gave moving eulogies, paying tribute to the Queen of Soul and her incredible contributions to music. Several members of the Franklin family also spoke during the service, sharing their memories of Aretha Franklin. Reverend Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy, and the service ended with a stirring rendition of “Think” by Aretha Franklin’s son, Ted White Jr.

The Final Farewell

Aretha Franklin was laid to rest in the historic Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan. The cemetery is the final resting place of many of the city’s most famous residents, including Motown founder Berry Gordy, civil rights leader Rosa Parks, and former Mayor Coleman Young. As the funeral procession made its way to the cemetery, thousands of people lined the street to pay their respects. The service at the cemetery was brief and emotional, with Aretha Franklin’s son, Ted White Jr., performing one final song, “Mercy Mercy Me”.

Legacy of Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin’s legacy will live on for generations. Her music has touched and inspired people all over the world, and she will be remembered for her powerful voice, her commitment to civil rights, and her willingness to speak up for what she believed in. As her son, Ted White Jr., said during the funeral service, “She was the voice of a generation, a voice of a people, a voice of freedom”.

Conclusion

Aretha Franklin was laid to rest in her hometown of Detroit with a funeral that celebrated her life and her music. The entire world mourned her passing, but the funeral was a beautiful celebration of her legacy and the impact that she had on the world. Aretha Franklin will forever be remembered as the Queen of Soul, and her music will continue to inspire generations to come.