My Publicist Note Book

Full list of speakers, performers slated to appear... Franklin, who was the undisputed Queen of Soul, died Thursday morning at the age of 76. She had pancreatic cancer. Aretha Franklin funeral in Detroit on Aug. 31: What you need to know  Four days of events to honor Aretha Franklin will conclude on Friday, Aug. 31 with a private funeral service and celebration in Detroit.  Franklin died Aug. 16 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. At the time of her death, she was at home in Detroit surrounded by friends and family. The events include three days of public visitation, a tribute concert and a funeral service that is sure to draw a huge crowd. Thursday, Aug. 30: Additional visitation, a tribute concert Third visitation day:  The funeral home announced there will be an additional day of viewing Aug. 30 from noon to 4 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church.  Where:  8430 Linwood ...

Jasper Williams Jr., pastor emeritus of Salem Bible Church in Atlanta, who is regarded as a pastor among pastors and embodies the flaming tradition of the black church, will deliver the eulogy at the funeral of Aretha Franklin on Aug. 31 at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit. The charismatic minister known for his masterful weaving of the teachings of the Bible with social issues was also the eulogist at the funeral of Franklin’s father, the Rev. C.L. Franklin, when he died in 1984. His eulogy of Franklin, titled “A Good Soldier,” documented his many contributions to the civil rights movement. “Rev. Jasper Williams is absolutely the right man at the right time. It is Marvelous that he is giving the eulogy at Aretha’s funeral,” said former Detroit City Councilwoman JoAnn Watson, who has been a longtime friend of Aretha Franklin. He was an ally and a close friend of Rev. Franklin. It is prophetic and profound that he is giving the eulogy at her funeral,” Watson...