New Jersey's Own Whitney Houston Is Home. Her Family, Friends, And Fans Mourn, As Her Life Is Celebrated!

Contributors: @YoungDegree & @MissCeo_Ice

Today the world watched watch on as Whitney Houston's life was celebrated in a beautiful homegoing service at the The New Hope Baptist Church in her native Newark, New Jersey. The nearly four hour long service was a heartfelt and breathtaking tribute to the life of one of biggest stars in music. With many tear jerking moments, Whitney's mother Cissy Houston allowed us to share in this trying moment. This celebration brought the world to church!

The New Hope Baptist Church Mass Choir along with the New Jersey Mass Choir opened the service. There were also personalized musical selections from Donnie McClurkin, Stevie Wonder, Kim Burrell, BeBe Winans, Alicia Keys, CeCe Winans and R. Kelly who sang Houston's "I Look To You," a composition in which he wrote.

Speakers included Bishop T.D. Jakes, Kevin Costner, Tyler Perry, and Clive Davis. During their reflections Kevin Costner said "As the lists are drawn they will have very to little meaning to me, if her name is not on it." Sony Music Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Clive Davis, who is responsible for discovering Houston, said " Is there any performance of the star spangled banner that compares to her? Will there ever be?"

The crowd of 1,500 also included guests such as Oprah Winfrey, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Forest Whitaker, and many others. The homegoing service program, which was six pages long, included a letter from Cissy Houston which read: "God said it's time Nippy, your work is done, thanks for being a wonderful daughter, love mommie."

Houson's ex-husband Bobby Brown attended the funeral with an entourage of reportedly nine, which caused some type of issue. Brown left the service, visibly upset, and later issued a statement in regards to the incident.

Pastor Marvin Winans was the last to speak at the service giving a wonderful eulogy and prayer. The most touching moment came at the end as pall bearers lifted Whitney Houston's casket on their shoulders and her hit record  "I Will Always Love You" played attendees left church in tears. 

New Jersey Tweets for you Whitney! Here are a few:

Naughty By Nature: @naughtybynature I'm so proud to be born in Newark Nj & grow up East Orange Nj just like the late GREAT! Whitney Houston R.I.P. #WhitneyHouston

Naturi Naughton: @naturinaughton Up early watching my Idol #WhitneyHouston 's funeral.Pretty emotional right now.I will miss you Whitney...may you rest in peace!

Tisha Campbell Martin: @TishaCampblMrtn Ok heavy day. Love you Whitney

Pastor DeForest Soaries: @DeForestSoaries On my way to Whitney's funeral. One of the saddest days of my life. Glad I don't have to preach. Seems like yesterday she was only 14.

Whitney Houston's homegoing service was a big day for music. It was a great day in New Jersey history! We thank you Whitney. Thank you for the music, and thank you for always representing New Jersey!

RIP Whitney Houston! WE LOVE YOU!!!!

-ALLJERSEYRADIO