Whitney’s Family Asks NJ to Cancel Public Memorial

Sandra Rose February 14, 2012

TMZ.com is reporting that Whitney Houston’s family asked the city of New Jersey to cancel plans for a public memorial at a 18,000 seat arena. The family plans to hold a private viewing and invite-only funeral for family and friends on Saturday, Feb. 18, at New Hope Baptist Church.

A rep for the Mayor’s office tells TMZ, “The Houston family has no plans to set up a public viewing at the Prudential Center this Friday” — despite several reports claiming there was going to be a massive public ceremony … in addition to previously-scheduled private funeral arrangements.

The rep claims the family specifically asked the city NOT to plan a memorial event — adding, “In compliance with the family’s wishes the city is not moving forward with any public ceremony.”

NaijaGal

Love this…Cissy is not about all that flash
GAGIRL87
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7je-DEQgPJk&feature=related ELove

I GUESS Their “Certified Anticipated” $$$ was SHUT DOWN Though
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7je-DEQgPJk&feature=related ELove

@GAGIRL
So, So… So are THOSE Shoes-n-Footsies in Your Gravis
http://www.ashland86.com TheRealAshland

I like that,.. Whitney was a mom/daughter and a celebrity last, her life should be celebrated as such. people don’t understand that celebrities are people too, even in death and should have their private moments respected as such. Please let this family mourn in private. I still don’t understand how people who have NEVER MET HER are talking about going to the funeral,..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7je-DEQgPJk&feature=related ELove

@GAGIRL
I MEANT To SAY —-> Are THEY YOURS Though
sexyphillygirl

Cissy aint playing lol, love it!!!
ShoYaRight

Cissy was probably disgusted at how her peers still grinned, danced and boozed the night away as her only daughter lay in rigor mortis only fundreds of feet away.

You cold, heartless bishes won’t get any photo ops on Cissy Houston’s time.
http://www.landofpure.net Fayla aka IWhipIt..WhipItRealGood:)

Whitney was their family so, they should respect their wishes if true
EB

It should be private
caligirl

LAWD LAWD TO ME FUNERALS ARE THE WORST PART ABOUT THE DEATH.
prynsexxx

WOW! I guess now folks can’t pay their respects (like they want to). Watch somebody will have something to say about why the family SHOULD let the public view and yip yap yip!

FVK the PUBLIC

I told my mama I want my eyes opened in my casket. So the folks that are trying to be nosey can remember me FORREAL. Either that or just throw me in the backyard and let the dogs dig my hole. Sicca folks!
Smonae80

Ion get that one, there are some fans that may want 2 pay their respect, she was a mega star, I respect thier choice but is that what Whitney would have wanted
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFwik0Lon-g&ob=av2e FeFe

I’m sure they just aren’t feeling the possibility of it becoming a “star-studded event” and I can totally understand that…
ShoYaRight

hundreds
LaceFace

this! i think all funerals should be private. but to each its own.
http://www.landofpure.net Fayla aka IWhipIt..WhipItRealGood:)

ShoYaRight says:

Cissy was probably disgusted at how her peers still grinned, danced and boozed the night away as her only daughter lay in rigor mortis only fundreds of feet away.
_______________
i wouldnt be surprised. i would feel the same if she was my daughter. this chit still don’t seem real
sexyphillygirl

@Prynn-did you see the pics of the producer that got killed in Miami maybe 5 yrs ago and he was sitting up in his car at his funeral with his eyes wide open smh that shyt scared the bejesus out of me when I saw the pic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7je-DEQgPJk&feature=related ELove

@TheRealAshland
The ONLY PERSON I didn’t personally know Funeral I would wanted to go to was Malcolm-X But I wasn’t even Born Yet

@Prynn —> MF-ing at “EYEZ OPEN” Though
GAGIRL87

@ Elove these are
http://www.landofpure.net Fayla aka IWhipIt..WhipItRealGood:)

welp, that’s my time folks!
Dynasty

prynsexxx says:

WOW! I guess now folks can’t pay their respects (like they want to). Watch somebody will have something to say about why the family SHOULD let the public view and yip yap yip!

FVK the PUBLIC

I told my mama I want my eyes opened in my casket. So the folks that are trying to be nosey can remember me FORREAL. Either that or just throw me in the backyard and let the dogs dig my hole. Sicca folks!

—————————–

@eyes open
The Makeup Maven

Bye Fay Fay

@ GAGirl – I’mma need those shoes in MY life, ya heard! (jim jones voice)
OutsidetheBox

Im confused…so celebrities should be ready and not mad about the spotlight cause they get “paid”…but when they die the same ppl that “paid” them shouldnt mourn..okay..

I respect Cissy’s choice for sure. I hope they plan another for the ppl who cared about Whitney but will not be invited to the traditional funeral. The church only holds 300 ppl.

Maybe a celebration of life of sorts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NST6L340KFc&feature=youtube_gdata_player MzDimplez1123

With all that the family is going through, including Bobbi Kris being hospitalized, I think they made the best choice. I honestly thought MJ’s funeral was a bit “too much”. It was his family’s wishes though so, i’m not passing judgement, just vmo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFwik0Lon-g&ob=av2e FeFe

@pryn

Real talk, I almost spit out my water!
http://www.ashland86.com TheRealAshland

@Elove i can respect that. But people are talking as if it is a concert or in hopes they might meet such and such. A funeral is for friends and family to mourn not for OPPORTUNIST
http://emc.com msbay

If this is true, this should be private
OutsidetheBox

Bye Fay!
Smonae80

I can understand the funeral service for the family being private to keep it from being a show of who’s who, buy the public service for the fans.
MJ had 1 for the fans & 1 for family & close friends
sexyphillygirl

Im sure Clive will hold a memorial of some sorts but I also think Whitney had ALOT of hanger on’s and this can eliminate them from coming since its invite only
OutsidetheBox

And I should add I dont go to funerals. I dont do well with death.
GAGIRL87

@ Tatted any time ONLY if you do my make up for a night out with the girls
OutsidetheBox

MJ had 1 for the fans & 1 for family & close friends

Right.
ShoYaRight

Cissy isn’t up for all that hoopla, understandably so, but has anyone this famous ever been buried without some public ceremony? I’m sure this won’t be well received.
https://sandrarose.com Sandra Rose

TheRealAshland says:

I still don’t understand how people who have NEVER MET HER are talking about going to the funeral,..
________________

Or how we cry when total strangers die but we don’t shed a tear if a family member or a co-worker dies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7je-DEQgPJk&feature=related ELove

@TheRealAshland
Yeah “The Opportunist” Aspect just DISGUST ME Severely Though & They’re coming out LIKE VULTURES (Right Now…)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFwik0Lon-g&ob=av2e FeFe

@Dimpz

MJ’s funeral was a just a bit *pinches fingers* over the top…but you have to remember that MJ was over the top himself…so it was in appropriate fashion!
https://sandrarose.com Sandra Rose

sexyphillygirl says:

Im sure Clive will hold a memorial of some sorts
_________________

I assumed he held his memorial already, on Sunday, in the same hotel where Whitney’s body lay.
OutsidetheBox

So is it canceled because of date conflicts? (read that elsewhere)

I cant imagine why Cissy would object to Whitney being honored at a public memorial. Its not like they would have her body there too right? Yikes. Too much for me.
caligirl

@Sandra/RealAshland – I’ve worked in several hospitals and I’ve seen doctors and nurses cry that have spent less than a hour with family and greive with them. This is why some people are chosen to be in certain and some are chosen to blog. Sandra I still love you though…and never even met you.
caligirl

@GA – I responded
prynsexxx

TheREAL says:

people are talking as if it is a concert or in hopes they might meet such and such.
_______________________

I had that thought process in an attempt to attend Roger Trautman’s fune. DJM I was YOUNG and single at the time.
Strawberrys and cream

this can be ok to a certian degree, your child made her life as a public figure so why go private now, I dont get this. there were people that loved whitney as a friend sister and artist. SO OVER THIS CHAOS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7je-DEQgPJk&feature=related ELove

@OTB (Comment #32)
SAME HERE Baby… When My Grand-Ma (aka BEST-Friend) died and I went to The Funeral (I WANTED to Climb in that casket WITH HER !!!)
OutsidetheBox

I’ve seen doctors and nurses cry that have spent less than a hour with family and greive with them. This is why some people are chosen to be in certain and some are chosen to blog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7je-DEQgPJk&feature=related ELove

Ms. Sandra (Comment #39)
Ohhh YOU mean that “Mandatory RITUAL” ?!!? (They SURE Did…)
Strawberrys and cream

I have learned to handle Death it’s not easy but I put in my mind, that every person in my life may leave here before me, so i have programmed my mind to think that way, I lost my father, and i was like ok and at peace and i was close to him, but hey everybody is different
prynsexxx

Sandra Rose says:

TheRealAshland says:

I still don’t understand how people who have NEVER MET HER are talking about going to the funeral,..
________________

Or how we cry when total strangers die but we don’t shed a tear if a family member or a co-worker dies.
_______________

I will say this *don’t stone me yall* ppl grieve differently. For me and MY family, yall would HATE US with a passion b/c we don’t normally “have fits” at funes. Today is my brothers bday (RIP), and if yall would have seen how WE “acted” from the time he died to the burial, WE WOULD BE PUBLICALLY put to the stake! All I will say il, it was my bday (the day of his fune) and well……..we pulled a Clive pre-grammy party, complete with strippers!

#iloveyoubro
#iknowthatbeyouhauntingmeinmysleepsometimes
OutsidetheBox

E I told mama I dont even want to be at my own.

Last one, I went to they was singing all that happy gospel music for my dear Aunt Lana and I havent been to one since.
OutsidetheBox

I have seen second lining, funerals, celebrations of life, etc.. Ppl do it “different”. No judgement neccessary I dont think.
Strawberrys and cream

prynsexxx says:

Sandra Rose says:

TheRealAshland says:

I still don’t understand how people who have NEVER MET HER are talking about going to the funeral,..
________________

Or how we cry when total strangers die but we don’t shed a tear if a family member or a co-worker dies.
_______________

I will say this *don’t stone me yall* ppl grieve differently. For me and MY family, yall would HATE US with a passion b/c we don’t normally “have fits” at funes. Today is my brothers bday (RIP), and if yall would have seen how WE “acted” from the time he died to the burial, WE WOULD BE PUBLICALLY put to the stake! All I will say il, it was my bday (the day of his fune) and well……..we pulled a Clive pre-grammy party, complete with strippers!

#iloveyoubro
#iknowthatbeyouhauntingmeinmysleepsometimes

_____________________________________________________

I am the same way, you cannot wake the dead up, greive and keep it moving.
prynsexxx

Smonae80 says:

I can understand the funeral service for the family being private to keep it from being a show of who’s who, buy the public service for the fans.
___________________

…and as far as my comment #12…I was thinking that ppl thought they were gone slide up in New Hope (the private fune) like they were fam. Now THAT I’m not with. Carry yall selves to the public, drive through the streets, throw flowers at the hearse, hold ya candle memorial. IJS
sexyphillygirl

I lost my grandmom at 19….passed the fukk out and went off she raised me

I lost my mom at 25…cried but didnt go off, loved her but she didnt raise me

I lost my dad 5 yrs ago….cried while he was sick (lung cancer) but at the funeral was a soldier…up until we went to the cemetary…then I had to be led away, couldnt take watching my dad be lowered in the ground…

This is part of life but this is the part I cant stand….death..

RIP GRAMP, MOMMY AND DADDY….
https://sandrarose.com Sandra Rose

caligirl says: I’ve worked in several hospitals and I’ve seen doctors and nurses cry that have spent less than a hour with family and greive with them.
______________________

That still doesn’t explain why we cry for celebrities and not for our own family members who die.
prynsexxx

OutsidetheBox says:

I have seen second lining
________________

What is a “second lining”?
https://sandrarose.com Sandra Rose

@ caligirl: By the way, I have cried for patients too. As nurses we see death almost daily. It’s never easy to lose a patient that you cared for. But I don’t cry when celebrities die.
http://televisionland.aimoo.com CaliGirlinGA

I can understand Whitney’s mom’s reaction…to not hold a public service – just a private family funeral and burial.

It’s tough enough to take in the loss, the pain, the hard to described ache and still have to deal with others as well.

But I must say, I didn’t notice the number of people at my son’s funeral until I stood up to speak and saw the standing room crowd in the church. My heart swelled with overwhelming love for the people who loved my son.

It’s Cissy’s choose but, with Whitney’s celebrity, for others, the fans, she may want to have some sort of memorial service. I would hope and pray that folks didn’t go there just to see who else is in attendance.
OutsidetheBox

In New Orleans (mostly) I think it orginated in Africa tho..but its something they do for the dead…a parade of sorts.
sexyphillygirl

@Outside-Ive never been to one of those, in Philly sometimes we drive the hearse in the neighborhood where the deceased lived, we did that with my gramps.
https://sandrarose.com Sandra Rose

prynsexxx says:

I will say this *don’t stone me yall* ppl grieve differently.
__________________

When I was in nursing school, I did my clinicals in the operating room at Jackson Memorial hospital in Miami. Whenever a patient died on the table, the doctors and nurses stood around laughing. I was shocked. Later, our instructor explained that everyone grieves differently, and laughing was the way that nurses and doctors coped with so much death.
prynsexxx

@OTB

Oh I’ve seen that (not here), but I know what you’re talking about. I never knew that was what they call it. I’ve just started seeing something called the “repast” or “repass” or something on obits.
change

Maybe people just sad because it was a life lost
I say a silent prayer those times rarely i watch the news and people have passed away. In one of the churches I use to attend if an ambulance was passing the stopped the service to have a moment of silence for whomever was in need of care.

I’m glad the earth holds a multitude of people w/ different hearts because lord knows some of these comments have no heart in them….some of yall sound bitter as hell
Terri B

I like the decision. What I didn’t like about MJ’s was that you had all these people speaking and singing who wasn’t a part of MJ’s life, some of who haven’t even met MJ or knew him personally, but they all up there showing teeth. That’s not a funeral to me, that’s just another entertainment event.

Making it private is not cutting anyone out, you can still mourn and give your respects.
OutsidetheBox

I think repass is the “official” name for when folks go back to the house/church and eat and be as one. I think.
https://sandrarose.com Sandra Rose

Terri B says:

What I didn’t like about MJ’s was that you had all these people speaking and singing who wasn’t a part of MJ’s life, some of who haven’t even met MJ or knew him personally, but they all up there showing teeth.
_________________

I totally agree. I think Whitney’s family wanted to avoid giving certain celebs a public platform when they really didn’t care about Whitney while she was alive.
#IDCIYDKMN

Prynn, we’ve been doing a “repass” for as long as I can remember. It’s after the burial when you gather to eat
prynsexxx

@Sandy

We laughed at my brother’s AND sisters fune. But it’s mostly at the folks that be falling off over in the casket when it’s time to say your FINAL goodbye’s. Them are the same folks that owed you money and you couldn’t find them when you needed or wanted your shyt back. IJS

#startpayingattention
http://twitter.com/candyrayne215 spongebobfan

nothing wrong with the family needing to grieve and mourn privately. there will still be a memorial, but whitneys body dont need to be in the building
OutsidetheBox

Change when I say you can articulate exactly what I cant seem to spit forth I am not just saying it cause yo lady is fine.

For real! Me and my kids said a prayer for the little Black girl and her story that came home on the back of a bookmark! (for Jump Rope for Heart)

Who knew caring was so controversial.
prynsexxx

@OTB and IDC

Well they JUST started officially using the “WORD”. Hell, it was always known that they were gone serve food after the fune. You can smell it during the service. Again DJM but when my sis died we was like “oooohhhh we bout to get cake and chicken n’chit”… #greedyignantshyt
OutsidetheBox

Them are the same folks that owed you money and you couldn’t find them when you needed or wanted your shyt back.

I know I care too mcuh. Hopefully I live longer, but I just feel sorry for those folks. I see their regret rather then greed or whatever. And I act accordingly in my life.
prynsexxx

OTB says:

Me and my kids said a prayer for the little Black girl and her story that came home on the back of a bookmark! (for Jump Rope for Heart)
_____________________
Wait. What happened now?
OutsidetheBox

We pretty much all grieved and hollered out for “Donovan” from the other post…maybe cause we know a Donovan, maybe cause he coulda been ours…

IDK. I just cared that he died.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAzGSRdTGgA&feature=player_embedded SamYell JacksEm

My mother ALWAYS said she didn’t want a funeral (cremation and K.I.M. were her wishes to be exact) but when she passed my family, 90% of whom I had never seen or had seen sparingly, decided to put on some elaborate spectacle that was obviously really about them. I didn’t go. I made sure I wouldn’t have to see the majority of them again. Remi and Moet stupor for days.
http://twitter.com/candyrayne215 spongebobfan

Sandra Rose says:
Or how we cry when total strangers die but we don’t shed a tear if a family member or a co-worker dies.

_______________________________________________
Who does that?
prynsexxx

OTB says:
I act accordingly in my life.
_____________________
prynsexxx

@Sam

We’ve already planned my mothers fune and she is being cremated. However, we will still be able to view the body.
change

OutsidetheBox says:

Change when I say you can articulate exactly what I cant seem to spit forth I am not just saying it cause yo lady is fine.

For real! Me and my kids said a prayer for the little Black girl and her story that came home on the back of a bookmark! (for Jump Rope for Heart)

Who knew caring was so controversial.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Right
I understand everyone has opinions but sometimes the words they chose to speak/type with sound so malicious and harmful. It’s a such thing as valuing life just because it’s precious regardless of what you chose to do with yours. In church sunday the minister was just teaching about how words can create life and death.
OAN…
(I know my lady fine)
!*LaKErCHiC@*!

U CAN TELL ALOT OF PEOPLE IN THIS BLOG ARE BITTER AND HEARTLESS.. BUT LET IT BE ONE OF THEM AND #SILLY
OutsidetheBox

@Prynn the school does a fundraiser for Heart patients…the kids jump rope for as long as they can to raise money.

They sent home a bookmark this yr and the ambass. was a little Black girl with a blurb about her heart and whatnot. We prayed for her health..
prynsexxx

@Change

Yep. The tongue holds life or death. A two-edged sword of sorts.
OutsidetheBox

(I know my lady fine)

See! And how you sip that cafe afterwards OOOHHHHH!!!!
caligirl

Sandra – I agree with you, but I think people cry or grieve when celbs die, because that can identify with them for certain parts of their lifes.

Examples – Whitney may have been somone second song at thier wedding reception.
Micheal Jackson song Thriller may have been a song that they daned to ith ther best friend.

These are only examples, but I see how folks can identify how and why people greive.

Carry on
daprinceofradio

Sandra Rose says:

Terri B says:
What I didn’t like about MJ’s was that you had all these people speaking and singing who wasn’t a part of MJ’s life, some of who haven’t even met MJ or knew him personally, but they all up there showing teeth.
_________________
I totally agree. I think Whitney’s family wanted to avoid giving certain celebs a public platform when they really didn’t care about Whitney while she was alive.

I was going to come in here and voice/type my opinion on the matter. I wish Cissy would allow a public memorial to whitney similar to that of Michaels. However, Auntie your opinion on this makes a lot of sense. Singers would of came out in droves to pay their respects and even sing for whitney even though some of them were probably @ her when she was living.
caligirl

prynsexxx – The tongue….Smallest organ in the body and the deadliest!
change

I was just in agreement with your assesment
I see it everytime I
see her
talk to her
or she call me :coffee:<——- Really Jack on the rocks cause I'm grown…
OutsidetheBox

Share.
change

Prynsexx & Caligirl

Yes indeed
I would be told years ago I was blunt and cold. I looked at it like I was being honest but it was what I said it was how I said it that made the difference too. You have to show kindness in your words or at least find some balance. Maybe people who treated you bad or owed you money is crying at your funeral because they missed that chance to make it better and it is regret

People make no way for positivity mostly because they bitter as hell
http://televisionland.aimoo.com CaliGirlinGA

Change said: “Maybe people who treated you bad or owed you money is crying at your funeral because they missed that chance to make it better and it is regret.”

———————–

Kinda like Wendy Williams yesterday during her show.
prynsexxx

@Change

I totally agree! Well said.
West Coast Chick

Whitney was an icon and admired by a lot of people
https://sandrarose.com Sandra Rose

daprinceofradio says:

Singers would of came out in droves to pay their respects and even sing for whitney even though some of them were probably @ her when she was living.
_______________

My mom said the same thing.
https://sandrarose.com Sandra Rose

!*LaKErCHiC@*! says:

U CAN TELL ALOT OF PEOPLE IN THIS BLOG ARE BITTER AND HEARTLESS..
_________________

Maybe we will cheer up when we get our tax refunds.
Anna

spongebobfan says:

Sandra Rose says:
Or how we cry when total strangers die but we don’t shed a tear if a family member or a co-worker dies.

_______________________________________________
Who does that?
~~~~~~~~~~
Some ppl are like that. When my white grandma passed away, at the grave site only me and my siblings were crying(probably because she was our mother’s mom). Some don’t shed tears for those over 75, they say they lived a long life.
Daisy

Wendy was not crying over regret.

I do not do well with death never have never will. I do not look at dead people and I do not even want a funeral. Death is so final I just don’t do well with. My gma died 2yrs ago and I did not attend the wake really didn’t want to attend the funeral.

MJs family had a private service as well as the one which was televised.

I have no problem with the decision anybody’s family makes for their loved one, neither is better than the other just a matter of personal pref. MJs fam didn’t love him any less by having a public service.
Inmyopinion

I am a long time lurker but I am pressed to speak out regarding Whitney.

Aunt Mary set Whitney”s dress out for the Clive Davis Pre Grammy Party. But Our Master Jesus called for our Whitney to attend a greater party. I believe he was touch when He heard her sing Out “Jesus Loves Me that I know”. What a beautiful experience it will be for for her to wake up and find out that she is not at the anticipated party with so-called friends ofthe industry but was called by The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords to sing in his presence forever. Whitney received a gift much greater than any Grammy. May her Family find peace knowing that she is now at rest with our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.
getyourhandouttamypocket

Inmyopinion says:

I am a long time lurker but I am pressed to speak out regarding Whitney.

Aunt Mary set Whitney”s dress out for the Clive Davis Pre Grammy Party. But Our Master Jesus called for our Whitney to attend a greater party. I believe he was touch when He heard her sing Out “Jesus Loves Me that I know”. What a beautiful experience it will be for for her to wake up and find out that she is not at the anticipated party with so-called friends ofthe industry but was called by The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords to sing in his presence forever. Whitney received a gift much greater than any Grammy. May her Family find peace knowing that she is now at rest with our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

————————————