MOUNT VERNON — Heavy D was remembered through laughter and tear at a funeral service today that included humorous anecdotes from longtime friend Sean “Diddy” Combs and words of encouragement for Heavy D’s young daughter, delivered in a letter from President Barack Obama.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. He will be remembered for his infectious optimism and many contributions to American music. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers,” read the Obama note, according to Sharpton, who quoted from it during the service.
Xea Myers, Heavy D’s 11-year-old daughter, also spoke briefly, and told the audience that her father was “still here, not in the flesh, but in the spirit.”
Grace Baptist Church was filled to capacity for the service; it was so crowded that an overflow area was set up. Among those in attendance were Usher, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Queen Latifah, Don King, Q-Tip, John Legend and Rosie Perez.
Heavy D died Nov. 8 in Los Angeles at the age of 44. His family said the death was due to complications from pneumonia.
Born in Jamaica, Heavy D grew up in Mount Vernon and was influential in the development of rap. Heavy D dubbed the city “Money Earnin’ Mount Vernon,” and it was also the home of Sean “Diddy” Combs. Through jokes, Combs talked about how Heavy D helped give him his start in the music industry, and how their decades-long friendship continued up until Heavy D’s death.
Singer Johnny Gill was tearful, saying: “Just want to say to Heavy: job well done.” He later gave a powerful rendition the gospel hit “Never Would Have Made It.”
Thousands of fans turned out yesterday for a public viewing at Grace Church.
