Aretha Franklin the Queen of Soul

March 11, 2020
Dear Family of Ms. Aretha Franklin:
I am A Member of Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church, located at 600 East 35th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616. I was baptized in the year of 1977 by The late Reverend Dr. A.L. Reynolds, Sr. Reverend Dr. David B. Thornton is now The Pastor, The Moderator of The Session, and The Head of The Staff. He is also My Mentor, Teacher, and Spiritual Advisor. Reverend Donald B. Register is The Pastor Emeritus. I am Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church's Public Relations Person.
I am also a very Proud Former Member of Church Musician Ship Guild, Inc. (1988-2008). The late Dr. Mildred G. Lewis was The Founder, and Executive Director. I not only worked very closely with Dr. Lewis, but with her Family, Pastors, Church Musicians, and Church Members of every denomination. I was their Administrative Assistant, Executive Secretary, and Public Relations Director. We use to have our "Annual Conferences, Banquets, Fashions, and Awards of Excellence Ceremonies" at The Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, located at 520 South Michigan Avenue. As well as Church Music Symposiums, Church Music Concerts, and other events. I will always cherish those memories. I did receive many awards from them, as well as from my church home.
I will continue to lift your names up in prayer, because I do miss Aretha very much, as well as all those people who knew, and loved her. She was a very talented actress, and singer. I did see her in the movie "The Blues Brothers". I believe that it came out in the year of 1980. She will not be forgotten. She did leave a great legacy. "Rest In Peace", sister Aretha.
Do you all know the songs "Overjoy" by Stevie Wonder, "Amazing Grace", "Beat It", by The Late Michael Jackson, and "If you look Into Your Heart With A Positive Mind" which was sung by Ms. Irene Cara, and Mr. Phillip Michael Thomas in the 1976  movie "Sparkle". Aretha did also sing that song. I love all those songs. WITH MY LOVING THOUGHTS, AND PRAYERS, MS. VALINDA DARLENE JONES OF CINCINNATI, OHIO. I USE TO LIVE IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. I use to sing with The Chancel Choir at my church home, as well as with The CMS Sounds which was formed by Church Musician Ship Guild, Inc.

Your legacy will reign on 'Retha !

Rest in peace,  you are truly missed.

I was honored to meet Aretha, (and Ray Charles) at the Hampton Jazz Festival of ' 92. Very good memories of her music and personality.

To the, "Queen of Soul" Your Spirit is now soaring beyond this Earth in another life! Your work here is now complete!  We will see you, On the other side,  My Queen!