(AP) - Natalie Cole was remembered as a loyal friend, "the best and bossiest big sister," and a worthy successor to her famous father's legacy in a joyous and music-filled funeral highlighting her Baptist faith.
The two-hour, 50-minute service Monday at West Angeles Church of God in Christ was filled with affection for the daughter of crooner Nat King Cole who carved out her own Grammy Award-winning legacy during a 40-year career. Known for such hits as "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" and "Our Love," she died New Year's Eve at age 65 of pulmonary arterial hypertension, which led to heart failure.
Among the several hundred mourners were singers Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder, along with Cole's frequent producer David Foster, actress Angela Bassett and the Rev. Jesse Jackson.