Family, friends and fans wrapped around Apostolic Church of God awaiting entry to the private services of singer/actress Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew. Darnell Donerson, Hudson’s mother, Jason Hudson, her brother and
Family, friends and fans wrapped around Apostolic Church of God awaiting entry to the private services of singer/actress Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew.
Darnell Donerson, Hudson’s mother, Jason Hudson, her brother, and Julian King, her nephew, were gunned down last month.
Donerson and Jason Hudson were found Oct. 24 fatally shot in the family’s Englewood home. Her nephew was found dead three days later on the West Side inside a parked SUV. He also was shot to death.
Chicago police recovered the weapon last Wednesday that is believed to have been used in the triple slayings.
Lyndel Hill, a relative, said he was amazed at the Hollywood star’s strength throughout the tragedy.
“She has stayed prayerful and is being strong for the entire family,” Hill said before the services began at around 11 a.m.
While the funeral was “invite only,” many fans hoped to get a chance to attend the services and lend their support to the Chicago native. Others came to hold a vigil for Hudson and her family.
“I just felt that I needed to be out here to support her,” one woman said.
Mayor Richard M. Daley, also a Hudson fan, attended the service.
Several of Hudson’s celebrity friends were also in attendance, including Oprah Winfrey, music artists, Usher, Queen Latifah, Chrisette Michele and fellow American Idol contestant Fantasia.
Sources said Fantasia and Chrisette Michele were asked to sing for the family.
Actress Sarah Jessica Parker of the “Sex In The City” television series and movie, in which Hudson had a role in, also attended the private services.
A public memorial service was held Sunday at Pleasant Gift M.B. Church in Kenwood, where Hudson attended as a child.
William Balfour, King’s estranged stepfather, has been named a person of interest in the homicides. He is being held by the Ill. Dept. of Corrections on a parole violation. He has not been charged.
Chicago police said Balfour remains the only person of interest but did not rule out the possibility that others may be involved.
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