Honoring a Legend: The Celebration of Angie Stone’s Life & Legacy
On a somber yet uplifting morning, family, friends, and fans gathered at Word of Faith Cathedral in Austell, Georgia to bid farewell to the legendary Angie Stone. The funeral service, held at 11 a.m., was a powerful reflection of her faith, impact, and the love she cultivated throughout her life.
The ceremony opened with live bands setting the tone for a heartfelt celebration. The Stone family, dressed in black, white, and purple, paid their final respects with grace and dignity. Bishop Dale Bronner delivered a moving message, reminding everyone that "God is good even when times are not," referencing Psalms 100:1-5.
A host of artists and industry figures gathered to honor Angie’s memory. Stout, Darlene McCoy, Q Parker, Anthony Hamilton, Keke Wyatt, The Walls Group, and Tamela Mann performed soul-stirring tributes. Q Parker shared that he and Angie had been working on the Q&A Standard Curriculum, a program aimed at helping high school and college students break into the music industry. He vowed to continue their work and keep her legacy alive.
Musiq Soulchild, overwhelmed with emotion, could barely complete his tribute, sharing that Angie was the first person to give him a chance when he started his career.
Cheryl Cook, Angie’s longtime friend, reflected on their 52-year bond, recalling how their hit “Funk You Up” sold 500,000 units in just three weeks.
James Owens recalled a conversation with Angie, where he told her, “I may not be rich, but I'm rich in spirit.” He closed his tribute with a heartfelt “Long live Angie Stone.”
Darlene McCoy shared a poignant moment from their last conversation three weeks before Angie’s passing. Angie had told her, “God said that you are cured of cancer." Two weeks later, Darlene received the miraculous news that she indeed was cancer free. She honored Angie by singing “It Is Well with My Soul.”
Music has always been the heartbeat of Angie’s journey, and the service was no exception. Y’Anna Crawley’s performance ignited a spiritual awakening — attendees cried, danced, spoke in tongues, and thanked God in a powerful wave of worship.
Anthony Hamilton moved the crowd with a soul-stirring rendition of “Still”, leaving not a single dry eye in the room.
Beyond the performances, Angie’s contributions to music and culture were undeniable. With classic albums like "Black Diamond," "Mahogany Soul," and "Stone Love," she left an imprint on the industry. Songs such as “No More Rain (In This Cloud),” “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” and “Brotha” became anthems of love, struggle, and perseverance.
Her Zeta Phi Beta sorority sisters honored her with a traditional Zeta burial service, celebrating her life and legacy.
Even in her passing, Angie was viewed as a trailblazer. Her DJ, Deltonia Cannon, summed up the sentiment beautifully: “When people pass in this industry, I like to say they’re going on tour. And I know we will all go on tour together again.”
As her silver and gold casket rested among a sea of red roses, it was evident that Angie Stone’s legacy is far from over. She was not only a powerhouse in the industry but a mentor, a sister, and a guiding light for many.
This service was more than a goodbye — it was a celebration of a life well-lived and a soul that will forever shine.
Long live Angie Stone.
Shanice Love is a journalist, COO of Hope Magazine, Press and Media Editor, Career and Money Editor, Established Corporate Executive, and Owner of Loyalty Enterprise. She is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and financial literacy in the Black community, using her platform to empower and uplift others on their journeys to success, health, and wellness.