Delois
Barrett Campbell, known as the “Royal Lady of Gospel” died Aug. 2 and was laid
to rest after a spirit-filled homegoing celebration.
Mourners
packed Barrett's church home, Trinity United Church of Christ, 400 W. 95th St.,
Aug. 10 for a concert that featured Pastor DeAndre Patterson and singer
Jennifer Hudson. The following night, funeral services were held there for
Campbell, the eldest of the three singing Barrett Sisters. The group sang
gospel for over 70 years.
On Aug.
11, a motorcade departed Leak and Sons Funeral Home on South Cottage Grove and
followed to Oakwood Cemetery the white horse-drawn carriage that held her
casket. The carriage pulled by white horses transported Campbell to her final
resting place.
Campbell
began singing under the direction of her aunt, Maddie Bacus, at Morning Star
Baptist Church of Chicago. While in high school, she was a member of the
Roberta Martin Singers. After several years with the Roberta Martin Singers,
Campbell later joined her family as the lead singer of the celebrated gospel
trio, the Barrett Sisters, known for amazing harmonizing ability. The Barrett
Sisters traveled to Europe over 30 times and performed together, even this
year, at various events in the Chicago area.
“For
decades, Delois performed songs that fed our spirits, brought us hope, and
helped carry us forward in times of both despair and triumph. Throughout her
life, she remained dedicated to her sisters, her family and the Chicago
community, as well as to the gospel music that served as source of inspiration
for many,” President Barack Obama said in a statement after Campbell’s death.
Campbell
and her sisters’ extraordinary gospel musical journey will be chronicled in a
new documentary by filmmaker Regina Davis.
The
filmmaker said that the gospel trio, “truly, truly love the Lord, love singing
His praises, and adore each other. They are/were as close as three sisters could be.”
Campbell
and her singing sisters were the first gospel group to receive a star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In June
2010, Campbell and The Barrett Sisters were saluted at the living gospel
legends concert, among numerous honors recently and over the years.
The
surviving members of the Barrett Sisters are Rodessa Barrett Porter and Billie
Barrett GreenBey. Campbell is also survived by two daughters, Dr. Sue B.
Campbell-Ladd and Mary A. Campbell; four grandchildren; and six
great-grandchildren. Campbell’s husband, the Rev. Frank Wesley Campbell, died
in 2000.
Copyright
2011 Chicago Defender
