Thousands Mourn Loss of MaLinda Sapp, Wife of Gospel Music Star Marvin Sapp
Thousands of friends, family and community members celebrated the life of MaLinda Sapp and mourned their loss during a four-hour memorial service Thursday.
Sapp, the 43-year-old wife of Gospel music star Marvin Sapp, died the week before after experiencing complications from her fight with colon cancer.
Sapp's homegoing service Thursday was attended by a number of notable figures including the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who comforted Marvin Sapp by reminding him that while he has lost a lot, he still has a lot left – namely his children.
"We're pained by the transition. We rejoice in the destination," Jackson told mourners.
The service at the 4,200-capacity chapel of Resurrection Life Church in Grandville, Mich., featured musical performances by gospel artists Rance Allen, Lucinda Moore, Israel Houghton, Karen Clark Sheard and Donnie McClurkin.
Over 100,000 reportedly watched the service via the web and thousands also stopped by for visitation.
Sapp was a well-known member in her community and also served with her husband as a pastor at Lighthouse Full Life Center Church.
She and her husband have three young children.