To watch Whitney Houston's powerful "going home" service on Saturday was to be reminded that she was a one of a kind talent, with a divine instrument that even in death soared above all the other famous voices that gathered at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey, to celebrate her. But sadly, Houston was a dime a dozen in another aspect of her life: her dependence on drugs and alcohol.

Whitney Houston’s fans will be able to watch her private funeral on the internet after her family agreed to allow a camera into the small church service in Newark, New Jersey.

Whitney Houston was seen consuming considerable quantities of alcohol two mornings last week, said a source briefed about the days ahead of her death.

Many in northern New Jersey are in mourning following the sudden death of singer Whitney Houston, whom they’ve long considered one of their own.

American singer and actress Whitney Houston, widely regarded as one of the most celebrated female acts of all time, dies at the age of 48.