Whitney Houston to be eulogised by Marvin Winans ‎

Highlights

• Whitney Houston will be eulogised by gospel singer Marvin Winans at her funeral this Saturday (18.02.12).
• At the request of the late star's mother Cissy Houston, Marvin - the brother of CeCe Winans, who dueted with Whitney on her hit track Count On Me - will pay tribute to the singer at the service, which is to be held at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.
• Pastor Joe Carter, who is leading the private service, told CNN: "She was able to leave us with so many wonderful memories of that God-given gift. That's what we are celebrating on Saturday."
• However, Whitney's ex-husband of 14 years, Bobby Brown - who reportedly introduced her to illegal drugs and repeatedly came to blows with the late singer - is believed to have been told he is "not welcome" at the funeral because the singer's family are "not fond of him", TMZ reports.
• While a public service had initially been planned at a local stadium, it has since been cancelled at the request of Whitney's family.
• Funeral director Carolyn Whigham explained the invitation-only service at the New Hope Baptist Church - where Whitney showcased her singing talents as a child - reflects the family's desire to keep the memorial more personal.
• She said: "They have shared her for 30 some years with the city, with the state, with the world. This is their time now for their farewell.
• "The family thanks all the fans, the friends and the media, but this time is their private time."
• Whitney was found lifeless in her bathtub at the Beverly Hilton hotel last Saturday (11.02.12).