Veteran gospel star Deborah Fraser's funeral service took place today at the Station Venue in Durban.
The emotionally charged funeral service was attended by her family, close friends and industry colleagues, and they gave her a beautiful send-off fit for the legend she was.
Deborah was remembered for the impact she had in the music industry, and the lives she has touched and shaped. The singer whose career spanned many decades, died at the age of 56 last Sunday at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital while surrounded by her family.
During her funeral service, her children Nkosana and Aaliyah gave heartfelt and tearful tributes to her. Her son Nkosana said his mother is in pain. “Everyone knew Ma. I'm not going to lie to you, Mom was not OK, especially this year. Death is not something you can get used to. I catch myself sitting in the car alone and realizing it is real; Ma is gone,” he said.
Further, he thanked her for giving him her sister because when she looks at her, she sees her. He then thanked his mother for teaching him to be humble and not look down on others. "Ma you can see the mark you've left in South Africa. You can see the effect of your death. You have done a lot for everyone. Anyone who was close to my mom's heart knew it was filled with love. Ma, I would like to thank you for teaching me to be humble. I would like to thank you for teaching me not to look down on others. I want to thank you for everything you have done for me and the family."
He said he is going to miss her: “I would like to apologize to you for not giving you the life you gave me. I ran out of time. Rest well, I am going to miss you.” he said.
He said he is going to miss her: “I would like to apologize to you for not giving you the life you gave me. I ran out of time. Rest well, I am going to miss you.” he said.
Her daughter Aaliyah, fought back her tears as she paid tribute to her. She said there is so much she wanted to do for her mother but death failed her.
“I may have lost a mother but I have gained a very powerful guardian angel. Thank you for everything. There was so much I wanted to still learn from you, but I thank God for what I have learnt already. There was so much I still wanted to do for you.”
The singer died after suffering a severe stroke last week. In recent weeks, a video of her performing in a wheelchair hit the internet, sparking speculation about the singer's health. Her health had deteriorated since being admitted to the hospital in February for diabetes.
May her soul rest in peace.
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