NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - The funeral for Whitney Houston is being held at the New Jersey church she attended as a child.
The New Hope Baptist Church in Newark is filled for the invitation-only service, with some people standing in the aisles. The Rev. Joe A. Carter told mourners that despite broken hears they were there to celebrate Houston's life.
Filmmaker Tyler Perry says he met Houston a few years ago and that during their first talk, Houston credited God for helping her meet challenges. Perry spoke Saturday of "a grace that kept on carrying her all the way through" her life. He says "it was the same grace that carried her home." As Perry was speaking, Houston's mother stood up, clapping and raising her hands.
Many churchgoers were also standing. A gospel choir whose members are dressed in white and gold has been performing, with some of the biggest names in entertainment swaying and clapping along.
Brown arrived as the service began. He walked to the casket, touched it and walked to the back of the church. Security guards were saying Brown would be seated but the people he arrived with had to sit apart from him. Instead, Brown left and appeared upset.
Houston died Feb. 11 in California the day before the Grammy awards. She was 48. A cause of death hasn't been determined. Houston is expected to be laid to rest near her father's grave.
