Rocspace was in attendance as well wishers from far and wide packed out the 2000-seat, Perfecting church yesterday to celebrate the life of David "Pop" Winans.

The extended Winans family, dressed in white and cream, entered as the voices of the Perfecting Church Mass Choir sang. The music of "How Great Is Our God" filled the air, and the praise and clapping shook the balcony. This was truly one of the most uplifting homegoing celebrations to date. It was such a tribute to what "Pop" Winans meant to the community and the nation.

The service was packed with moments of tears, joy, music, and comedy from the family. Karen Clark-Sheard brought the house down as she sang "Hallelujah."

Tremaine Hawkins sang "Change", with Warren Campbell on the organ, backed by the vocals of Jonathan Nelson, Erica Campbell, and Donnie McClurkin, and others.

Some of the most touching moments were when a video tribute from Ron Winans was played - he shared fond memories of Pop Winans. There was also a video clip from Pop Winans himself telling his life story. Carvin Winans shared heartfelt words with his entire family. Nelson Mandela sent a telegram.

The most comedic moment of the day, was during a selection from BeBe Winans. He stated that Marvin Winans said that he (BeBe) only knew one hymn. BeBe looked at the crowd and spoke proudly saying "I know TWO hymns," the crowed laughed. While singing, Marvin Winans sung the words from the audience, and eventually joined BeBe on stage.

Dignitaries and Music Icons from everywhere were in attendance: Rev. Jesse Jackson, Byron Cage, Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, J. Moss, The Williams Brothers, Dr. Edgar Vann, Dr. I.V. Hilliard, Rev. Clay Evans and many more. A telegram was sent from the office of Nelson Mandela.

The Eulogy was delivered by Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr.
 
Photos: Courtesy of ANDRE J. JACKSON/DFP
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After suffering a heart attack and stroke in October 2008, David Winans, Sr. the patriarch of the musical dynasty, The Winans Family, passed away quietly at 4 p.m. CST on Wednesday, April 8, 2009.  Delores Winans, his wife for 55 years was at his bedside at A live Hospice in Nashville, TN .

David  'Pop' Winans was born on April 20, 1934 in Detroit , Michigan . He was raised in the Mack Avenue (COGIC) where his grandfather Isaiah Winans was the pastor. At the age of 18, Winans began singing with the Nobelaires quartet group. A saxophonist and clarinet player, he later joined the Lemon Gospel Chorus in 1950. There he met his future wife Delores Ransom, who sang in the ensemble.

After their 1953 marriage, Winans juggled multiple jobs (car salesman, taxi driver, custodian and barber) to take care of the ten children the couple would eventually have. Aside from his various entrepreneurial activities, Winans began to preach sermons in the late 1960s and was very active in his community. He started a youth organization in 1968. “We had 300 kids, ten little league baseball teams, a track team, arts and crafts. We were trying to do everything we could to help the youth," he said in 1999.  Winans is survived by wife, Delores, multi-Grammy award winning children: The Winans (Marvin, Carvin, Michael & Ronald who passed in June 2005 at age of 48); BeBe & CeCe, Daniel , Angie, Debbie, and eldest son David Winans II and 23 grandchildren.