Your Guide to Funeral Planning | 04.21.2023

Whitney Houston Open Casket And Funeral Details

Whitney Houston Open Casket And Funeral Details

Reviewed By: Scott Ginsberg

Cross Checked By: William Prout

The World Loses A Musical Legend, At 48

The world lost a legend on February 11, 2012, when Whitney Houston passed away at the age of 48. Her untimely death shocked the music and entertainment industry, leaving a void that is still felt to this day. Whitney Houston was a trailblazer in her field, known for her powerhouse vocals and magnetic presence both on and off the stage. Tragically, she was found unresponsive in her hotel room in Beverly Hills, with the cause of death later determined to be drowning and exacerbated by heart disease and cocaine use.

About Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston was a legendary singer and actress who left a lasting impact on the world of music and entertainment with her powerful and soulful voice that captivated all audiences. She made her mark on the world with her self-titled debut album in 1985, which showcased her talent and versatility as a singer. Throughout her career, Houston produced a string of hit songs, including "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," "The Greatest Love of All," and "I Will Always Love You," which topped the charts and earned her critical acclaim. She was recognized for her musical achievements with numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. As an actress, Houston starred in several films, including "The Bodyguard," which remains one of the best-selling soundtrack albums of all time. Her impact on the music industry is undeniable, and her work continues to inspire new generations of artists. Whitney Houston's talent and contributions to the world of music have secured her place in history as a true icon.

The Golden Open Casket Funeral Service 

Whitney Houston was given a final farewell in a golden casket in 2012. The casket was supplied by the Whigham Funeral Home and caused a stir after pictures of it were released to the public. The owner of the funeral home was allegedly appalled by the claims that the leak was a deliberate publicity move. The memorial took place at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, where Houston first started singing as a young girl. Family members, friends, and famous faces such as Kevin Costner and Stevie Wonder attended the funeral to pay their respects. Following the funeral, Houston was interred at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, New Jersey, where she was laid to rest next to her father. Whitney Houston's life and musical impact, featuring gospel performances and speeches from those who knew her best. 

The funeral was an open casket service, which allowed mourners to pay their final respects to the legendary singer. This type of funeral service is a traditional way for people to say goodbye to their loved ones and reflect on their life and their legacy. However, the open casket also served as a way for fans and well-wishers to see Whitney one last time and pay their respects to the artist who had touched so many lives with her music. Despite the controversy surrounding the release of photos of the golden casket, the open casket service allowed for a fitting and dignified farewell to one of the greatest voices in music history.

What Is An Open Casket and Service?

An open casket is a type of funeral arrangement where the deceased is displayed in a casket with the lid removed or kept partially open. 

An open casket service refers to a funeral ceremony in which the deceased is laid to rest in an open casket. This practice of showcasing the deceased in an open casket dates back centuries and is still prevalent in many cultures today. The purpose of an open casket service is to allow mourners to pay their final respects and say goodbye to their loved ones. For many people, seeing the deceased in person provides a sense of closure and helps with the grieving process. An open casket service can also serve as a way for friends, family, and members of the community to come together to reflect on the life of the deceased and celebrate their legacy.

An open casket service can be a difficult decision for some. Viewing the deceased in an open casket, for instance, may feel like a traumatic or disturbing experience. In addition, some individuals may prefer to remember their loved ones in other ways and may not want an open casket service. Also, over time, the body may deteriorate and change, potentially affecting the mourners' memories of the deceased. However, ultimately, the choice of an open casket service should be based on the wishes of the deceased and their family. Regardless of the decision, the focus should remain on honoring and celebrating the life of the person who has passed away.

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