Memorial Service Held for Grammy-Nominated R&B Singer Angie Stone

Memorial Service Held for Grammy-Nominated R&B Singer Angie Stone

AUSTELL, Ga. (AP) — On Friday, family, friends, and fellow musicians gathered to honor Grammy-nominated R&B singer Angie Stone, who tragically passed away in a car accident earlier this month.

Attendees filled the Word of Faith Cathedral, located west of Atlanta, surrounding a silver and gold casket adorned with a sea of red roses.

Filmmaker and entertainment executive Tyler Perry spoke during the service, quoting Stone's iconic song No More Rain (In This Cloud). He reflected on the lyrics, saying, “There’s no more rain in this cloud,” describing how when a cloud has no more tears, it fades away.

The song was a major hit, spending 10 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B airplay chart.

Stone, 63, was involved in a tragic accident on March 1 when the cargo van she was traveling in flipped over and was subsequently struck by a truck near Montgomery, Alabama. Stone was the only casualty, though the others in the van survived. Tributes from fans and fellow artists quickly flooded social media following her death.

Bishop Dale Bronner, the senior pastor of the church, offered comforting words: “God is good even when life is not, and so we celebrate the life of our sister that has been well-lived.”

Alicia Keys, Keke Wyatt, Anthony Hamilton, and Kirk Franklin were among the artists who performed at the service. Wyatt, in particular, shared personal memories of Stone, recalling late-night phone calls in which Stone would pray for her or offer encouragement. “She was so beautiful,” Wyatt said. “Her as a person trumps all of that,” referring to Stone’s music and voice.

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Stone was surrounded by music from an early age. Her mother would sing at home, and her father performed gospel and blues in local establishments. Stone’s career began with the pioneering all-female hip-hop group The Sequence, signed to Sugar Hill Records. Their song “Funk You Up” has been widely sampled, including by Dr. Dre.

Stone went on to a successful solo career, producing hits like Wish I Didn’t Miss You, Brotha, and Baby. Her 2001 album Mahogany Soul reached No. 22 on the Billboard 200, and her 2007 album The Art Of Love & War peaked at No. 11.

She was also a talented actress, appearing in films like The Fighting Temptations and Ride Along, and taking on the role of Big Mama Morton in the Broadway production of Chicago. Additionally, Stone’s appearances on reality TV shows such as Celebrity Fit Club and R&B Divas: Atlanta showcased her authenticity and vulnerability.

Though her music and achievements were celebrated, those who spoke at the service emphasized Stone’s character and lasting impact on those around her. “This woman sewed good things to people, she sewed kindness to people, she sewed joy to people, she sewed love and her voice to people,” Tyler Perry remarked.

Another memorial service is planned for Saturday in Stone’s hometown of Columbia, at First Nazareth Baptist Church

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