Local attends Queen of Soul’s funeral

A City of Imperial resident is in Detroit attending the funeral of queen of soul Aretha Franklin.

Marlene Thomas and granddaughter Desiree have been in Detroit for the past three days. Thomas said thousands of people are outside Grace Temple church where Franklin’s body is. Several music and political personalities have been seen going into the temple to pay their respects to the famous singer.

Franklin was an American singer, songwriter and pianist who started singing as a child at New Bethel Baptist church in Detroit, Michigan. As a professional singer, she actively promoted civil rights.

Thomas said they’re touched by the outpouring of love for Franklin by the thousands of people present. She said Franklin’s life and passing away has inspired them to continue serving the community.

“It increases my commitment to equality and social justice and issues that confront us, women’s issues, and continue civil rights issues. I think I got a re-commitment,” Thomas said.

Franklin was born in 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee. She was 76 years old. Rest in peace, Aretha Franklin, Queen of Soul.

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