Gospel singer Etterlene DeBarge, known as the matriarch of the famous DeBarge family and a talented gospel singer, peacefully passed away at the age of 88 on 16th February last Friday. The news was confirmed by her daughter, Etterlene “Bunny” DeBarge, via social media.
Etterlene, who was the mother of ten children, including seven who became part of the renowned Motown group DeBarge, died at Berkley Post-Acute in Woodland Hills. While the cause of her death has not been disclosed, sources revealed that she had been ill and battling dementia.
Etterlene DeBarge – ‘My Heart My Mind My Soul’
The Instagram post by Etterlene DeBarge’s daughter said, “The Queen of My Heart, my beautiful mama, has gone home to the loving arms of her Savior Jesus. There wasn’t a single day that her faith wavered one bit even when her health began to fail”.
The statement continued, “She was so ready to reunite with her loved ones who passed before her – her brothers & sisters, especially her sons, Bobby & Tommy. From the bottom of my heart I Thank all of you for your expressions of sympathy & love to the family. We feel it and it lifts our heavy hearts as we grieve.”
She concluded the statement by saying, “MAMA DEBARGE is free now, She’s shining brighter than the sun now and her beautiful spirit and voice will echo throughout the chambers of every heart that has been the recipient of her love. She has joined the Choirs of Angels on High singing ?️ Yahweh Yahweh Yahweh.”
Etterlene DeBarge remained resilient and even chronicled her experiences in the book “Other Side of the Pain.” Etterlene DeBarge leaves behind her husband, George, eight of her children, and numerous grandchildren. While two of her sons, Robert DeBarge Jr. and Tommy DeBarge, have passed away. Her legacy in music lives on though.
Etterlene’s passing is a loss felt by fans worldwide, but her memory and the music of the DeBarge family will continue to inspire generations to come.
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