Travis Cottrell, Beth Moore, Fisk Jubilee Singers & More Pay their Respects at Mandisa's Funeral

The funeral service of former "American Idol" finalist and Christian singer Mandisa was held at Brentwood Baptist Church at Brentwood Saturday morning (April 27), and over 11,500 people live-streamed the service online. Mandisa was born on October 2, 1976, in Citrus Heights, California, and passed away in her home in Nashville on April 18, 2024.  

Travis Cottrell opened the service with a heartfelt prayer, remarking on Mandisa's unwavering faith and the impact she had on those around her. "She loved You," Cottrell said during his prayer. "We were beneficiaries of her expressions of gratitude and surrender to You, and we thank You for that." 

Mandisa's cousin, Dennie Marshall, shared memories of the singer's joyful spirit, noting how she could express a range of emotions. "Mandisa was a happy person and possessed a spirit of joy deep down in her soul. She could laugh, she could cry and she could sing." 

Another cousin, Terrence L. Hundley from the Place of Miracles Cathedral in California, praised Mandisa's strong faith and thanked God for her life. "She was a follower of You, Jesus," he prayed. "She let her light shine everywhere she would go."

There was a special performance put on by the Fisk Jubilee singers alumni from Fisk University, the group Mandisa was a part of during her time in college. 

"Not only did we hit the stage together, we served the Lord together," said Mandisa's college roommate during the service. "Her voice echoes in my head. But it was her impeccable tenacious spirit for the Lord that demonstrated her anointing. Disa was an opus. We miss you, love, and thank you for sharing as long as you did."

Well-known Christian speaker and author Beth Moore took to the stage to share about Mandisa's impact in her own life.

"Whatever she did she did it with every molecule she had," says Moore. "Mandisa had an impact on an audience that no one I have ever seen. She was simply sublime, utterly mezmerising. She loved Jesus in a way that made everyone around her love Him. We witnessed her worship when no one was looking."

Mandisa's father, John Hundley ended the service by sharing on stage. "I'm not a detective, but I've spoken to the detectives," said Hundley. "I've been in Mandisa's home since last Saturday night. It will take about three weeks before they can give a report. Here's what I think happened. Mandisa fell down in her bedroom. They found her on the floor. She did not harm herself." 

Mandisa, best known for her incredible talent, joyful spirit and genuine love for people, was a celebrated artist with 15 GMA Dove Award nominations and two wins including the 2014 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for breakout album Overcomer. A devoted friend to so many, Mandisa collaborated with numerous artists over the years including TobyMac, Matthew West, Michael W. Smith, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz and Jon Reddick. 

Her longtime friend, frequent collaborator and former tourmate TobyMac described her best. "Since the first day I met Mandisa, she has been nothing but original and courageous," Toby shared. "My touring family is better when she is out with us. She genuinely supports each artist that takes the stage, as well as every crew member behind the stage. In a single word, I would say without hesitation that she is one of the most authentic people I have ever met. Her heart is to help others."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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