Please Pray for the Winans Family

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David "Pop" Winans Sr., the patriarchal gospel great, has died. He was 76. His family released a statement Wednesday that Winans had died quietly while in hospice in Nashville, Tenn., with wife Delores at his bedside.

Lovingly referred to as Mom and Pop Winans, the deeply rooted Detroit couple crafted an impressive career that later extended to their children and grandchildren. Michael, Marvin, Carvin and Ronald performed in the Grammy winning quartet The Winans while duo BeBe and CeCe Winans blazed their own path with songs such as "Addictive Love."






The family's music legacy also helped establish the city as the gospel capital of the world. "He was a person who loved Jesus through sickness and health," said gospel singer Vickie Winans, who was married to Pop Winans' son Marvin. "To see him sick was the worst thing but he kept on lifting up the name of Jesus. I loved him with all my heart."

Pop Winans' health took a turn for the worst late last year. He suffered a series of four strokes, seizures and a heart attack beginning in the fall of 2008 and was admitted to Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak on Sept. 30.

"The Winans Family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and continued support, but would appreciate privacy at this time," the family said in a written statement.

Memorial services are planned for April 14 and 15 at Perfecting Church in Detroit where Marvin Winans is the senior pastor.