Last week I attended a private memorial service for Joni Sledge in Scottsdale, AZ. It was a beautiful reception attended by family and close friends. The night started off with a deliciously catered array of food and beverages. Debbie Sledge was at the front gracefully greeting everyone that entered the room. Later in the evening everyone congregated in the chapel where there was a program hosted by their eldest nephew. Joni's former husband spoke on behalf of their son Thaddeus. Condolences were read from Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Ruth Pointer and Flava Flav. The sisters and close friends shared funny stories about Joni and how ambitious and adventurous she was. One thing for sure, she definitely made the most of her time on earth. Stories of her partying on a yacht with friends and Denzel Washington and Norm Nixon, dinners with African prime ministers and kings, living in Paris to study French, mountain climbing and always dreaming big. Their niece Camille sang a beautiful gospel song, Kathy Sledge sang "There's Something About That Name". The Jesus moment happened when she invited Debbie to the microphone to harmonize with her, then sister Kim joined them. There wasn't a dry eye in the place, in fact I had chill bumps. Kathy shared a story of running into Joni at a spa in LA 5 weeks ago. She stated that they often bumped heads but said on that day they were about to talk, love on each other and put everything behind them. Debbie's other daughter Amber shared a beautiful poem. It was a beautiful service. The next day Kim Sledge invited a group of about 14 of us to meet at Joni's favorite breakfast spot. We ate good, did a mimosa toast in Joni's honor and talked, laughed and had a great time. What a beautiful family, inside and out.
There was a more public memorial service in Philadelphia last weekend where she was laid to rest near her mother and other close family members. She will truly be missed.
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