Never before have I been so moved…to the point of becoming completely undone (and in a very public fashion no less), while reflecting on the life of a person that I’ve not ever met personally, yet recognized a kindred connection in. Alas, that was exactly the situation I faced this afternoon.
Today, funeral services were held for Dr. Malinda Prince Sapp, wife of Pastor and Christian recording artist Dr. Marvin Sapp. Commonly known and accepted in the religious community as a “Home-Going Ceremony”, today’s service was more of a celebration of Dr. Sapp’s life, her dedication to her family, church and profession, and her tireless determination to reflect “The Kingdom” in all that she did, than a day to solemnly mourn her death.
Having battled Stage 4 Colon Cancer for the past 18 months, Lady Malinda (as she was so affectionately known by her congregation and church family) succumbed to her illness on September 9th. The outpouring of love, concern and well wishes sent to the Sapp family after news of Lady Malinda’s death a week ago was especially evident today in the massive floral arrangements, notable musicians, prominent clergy and the great multitudes graciously hosted by Pastor Duane Vander Klok and the Resurrection Life Church family of Grandville, Michigan.
Presided over by longtime family friend Pastor Marvin L. Winans, the service included tributes from the likes of Jessie Jackson, Lucinda Moore, Israel Houghton, Donnie McClurkin and Karen Clark-Sheard. Other renowned pastors, actors and singers were in attendance, including Kirk Franklin who discussed via Twitter Wednesday night his desire to support his dear friend through this difficult time. In addition to the thousands in attendance, the Lighthouse Full Life Center Church website streamed the service live to over 100,000 recorded viewers.
Throughout the ceremony, musical tributes, words of encouragement and funny stories and anecdotes from personal friends and family made the grand assembly feel especially intimate. Even from my laptop, it did not feel as though I was watching from afar, but instead I felt very much a part of the fold; invested in celebrating the life a woman whom although I never met, embodied the qualities of the virtuous, humble yet resilient woman of God I strive daily to be. Hearing stories from fellow First Ladies about Lady Malinda’s “pull no punches” mannerisms and affinity for texting, from preachers, who were flabbergasted upon learning that the humble woman washing dishes and digging holes in service to another was actually a Pastor’s wife, and a congressman whom Lady Malinda would not take no as an answer from, made you believe that everyone whose life she came in contact with was all the better as a result.
For the parishioners, colleagues, acquaintances, friends, siblings, mother, children and husband who lost a most treasured piece of themselves as a result of Lady Malinda’s death, I cannot begin to fathom how you feel or know what to say to ease your hurt. What I do know is that there is supreme comfort in knowing that a loved one is no longer suffering, but resting in the Lord. And although she may no longer be amongst you physically, Lady Malinda has left behind a rich and lasting legacy in her family and life’s work that will endure for years to come.
In memory of Dr. Malinda Prince Sapp, a memorial fund has been established and dedicated to the youth of her community. Contributions can be made to:
Grand Rapids Ellington Academy of Arts & Technology (GREAAT)
c/o Mercantile Bank of Michigan
4860 Broadmore Ave. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Lady Malinda’s Home-Going Tribute
Vodpod videos no longer available.
Lucinda Moore sings a stirring rendition of "Total Praise"
Fellow First Ladies and Colleagues remember a dear sister-friend
Remembering "Malinda Moments"
Israel Houghton's Beautiful Musical Tribute: "Moving Forward"
Pastor Marvin, Madisson, Mikaila & Marvin II
Clergy Tribute: Ministerial and Pastoral Reflections on Lady Malinda
Thousands pay tribute to the late Dr. Malinda Sapp
Words of encouragement from Rev. Jesse Jackson
Musical Tribute from Karen Clark-Sheard: "I Go To The Rock"
A Mother's Tribute
Mikaila & Madisson Remember their mother :"Footprints In The Sand"
Words of faith and appreciation from Pastor Marvin
Marvin Sapp's emotional version of the DeWayne Woods hit: "Let Go"
Still Standing: Bishop Paul S. Morton offers words of comfort
Pastor Donnie McClurkin's Sermonic Solo: "Stand"
Dr. I.V. Hilliard of New Life Christian Center Church eulogizes Lady Malinda
Dr Hilliard: "Lady Mallinda has received a promotion and we cannot deny her."
Tiffany's Fanny Pack 
