Family and friends of Grammy-winning artist Mandisa will celebrate her life Saturday during a funeral service at a Brentwood, Tenn., church that will be live-streamed. Mandisa Lynn Hundley died April 18 at the age of 47, sending shockwaves through a faith community that has been inspired by her upbeat music and vibrant personality. The cause of death has not been released. Police said this week they had ruled out foul play. She was found dead at her home.
The announcement of the funeral said simply, “Celebrating the Beautiful Life of Mandisa.” It will be live-streamed beginning Saturday (April 27) at 10:45 a.m. Central from Brentwood Baptist Church in Tennessee at BrentwoodBaptist.com/Mandisa.
“At this time, there is no indication the death was the result of suspicious or criminal activity,” police spokesperson Max Winitz told The Tennessean. “The Franklin Police Department sends its condolences to Hundley’s family, friends, and fans.”
Mandisa burst into the music scene with her Top 10 finish at 2006’s American Idol, after which she found a home in contemporary Christian music. Her first album, True Beauty, soared to No. 1 on the Christian album charts, as did her last two albums, Overcomer and Out of the Dark.
American Idol, which is still on the air, will pay tribute to her during an episode April 29 on ABC, Deadline reported.
“Mandisa was an adored icon on American Idol and in the music industry,” the show said in a statement. “She had become a platinum-selling artist and had won several Grammys for her music. Her passing has left everyone on the show heartbroken, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family.”
TobyMac, who collaborated with Mandisa on multiple songs, called her a “beautiful soul.”
“I have never met an artist who is more encouraging and supportive to other artists than Mandisa. She was honest and authentic but I always left her side feeling better,” TobyMac wrote on Instagram. “She watched every act, every night on every tour singing along with a smile that made you feel alive. From ‘Lose My Soul’ to ‘Bleed the Same’ to ‘Good Mornin’ I was honored not only to collaborate with her but to call her friend. She was honest about her struggles and viewed her break throughs as an opportunity to let others know that they can experience victories just like her.
“She saw us as a family. God’s family,” TobyMac added. “In all our diversity. All flawed. And all in need of the love of a Good Father, a Heavenly Father. I know her battle is over but I will always treasure her memory and that smile and infectious laugh that I had the pleasure of experiencing so often.”
Photo Credit: ©KLove Books
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
