Heavy D was remembered yesterday through laughter and tears at a funeral service held at Grace Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, NY. Heavy D’s longtime friend Sean Combs shared stories about he and Heavy:
“He became my friend. He became my brother, and I’m not talking about friend-brother like we cavalierly use the word, I’m talking about a real friend, a real brother,” Combs said. “Somebody I shared my dreams and my secrets with, somebody that’s been there for me at my lowest point, my darkest hour when nobody wanted to be beside me.”
Words of encouragement to Heavy’s family and for his young daughter, was delivered in a letter from President Barack and Michelle Obama.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. He will be remembered for his infectious optimism and many contributions to American music. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers”
Xea Myers, Heavy D’s 11-year-old daughter, also spoke briefly, telling the audience that her father was “still here, not in the flesh, but in the spirit.”
Grace Baptist Church was filled to capacity for the two-and-half-hour service, which was also streamed live on the Web.
Among those in attendance were Usher, Queen Latifah, Don King, Q-Tip, John Legend, Jay-Z, Will Smith, Jada Pickett Smith, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Rock, Flava Flav, Russell Simmons, Salt, of Salt-N-Pepa and Rosie Perez.
A fund has been set up to financially aid Heavy D’s daughter; details are available on the website http://www.rememberheavyd.com
Conversations Of A Sistah 