Homegoing service for Lady MaLinda Sapp will take place on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at Resurrection Life Church, 5100 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418.

The family hour will be from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. The actual homegoing service will begin at 12:00 noon. Resurrection Life is the church where Sapp recorded his two most recent albums, "Thirsty" and "Here I Am,".

Flowers, condolences, and resolutions may be sent to Lighthouse Full Life Center Church, 600 Bur St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, (Phone) 616-241-5448, (Fax) 616-241-5352

MaLinda Sapp passed away after a long battle with colon cancer. In addition to her ministry service, she was a limited licensed psychologist, licensed professional counselor and served as a college professor.

She was a much sought after speaker and teacher for several events. She participated in several outreaches at Lighthouse including First Ladies Fellowship and Education Summit.

In my recent article here at Bellaonline, Marvin Sapp talked about his wife; “I met my wife in the third grade; on the playground. We never dated during school but when I started to really work in the ministry I thought I may need to get a wife. So my minister of music, I’m not sure if she knows this story, but he told me ‘man you should try to date MaLinda’ and I said ‘Craig, MaLinda is not the type of woman you date she is the type of woman you marry. So I’m not going to mess with her until I’m ready to get married.”

He eventually asked her out and the two were together for over 20 years. Their love for each other was evident upon seeing them together. She was his support and it was through her encouragement that his biggest hit "Never Would Have Made It" was recorded. She was the one who pushed him to add the song to his CD and the rest as they say is history.

I know she will be missed by all who loved and knew her. Again I ask you to please join me in continuing our prayers to Marvin Sapp and all of his family during this tough time.