Re-post from MLive.comJeffrey Kaczmarczyk | The GR Press
GRAND RAPIDS -- MaLinda Sapp, co-pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Grand Rapids, passed away Thursday from complications from cancer.
The church she co-founded with her husband of 15 years, gospel artist Marvin Sapp, previously had launched a 24-hour prayer vigil, seeking healing for MaLinda Sapp, who served as administrative pastor at the church on Burton Street SE.
In 2009, MaLinda Sapp was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Following treatment, she was declared cancer-free earlier this year.
However, a recent statement on the church's website noted, "Until recently, a specialist indicated that her infirmity was resolved, but she has recently been advised it is now trying to resurface."
News of her passing was announced earlier today on Praise Houston, 92.1-FM in Houston. Memorial service arrangements have not been released locally.
The couple have three school-age children, Marvin II, Mikaila and Madisson.
Besides her work with Lighthouse, MaLinda Sapp served as a limited licensed psychologist, licensed professional counselor and college professor.
In 2008, MaLinda Sapp was tapped to be the first principal of the Grand Rapids Ellington Academy, though its opening was delayed.
She managed her husband's career as a gospel singer and was executive producer on many of his recordings.
Marvin Sapp, who recorded with the gospel group Commissioned during the 1990s before launching a solo career, scorched the charts in 2008 with the anthem "Never Would Have Made It."
"The Best in Me," the first single from Sapp's recent CD, "Here I Am," released in March, immediately rose to the top of the gospel music charts and R&B/hip-hop chart.
In March, Sapp's new "Here I Am" collection came in at No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, the highest position of any gospel release in the chart's 54-year history.
"The song speaks to those who may not feel they have any value, but God sees their worth created in his image and likeness," Sapp said earlier this year.
In February, MaLinda and Marvin Sapp were honored with the Grand Rapids Symphony's Celebration of Soul Legacy Award, highlighting accomplishments and commitment to the advancement of the black community in West Michigan.
The family sang the event's opening number, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" with the orchestra at its "Symphony With Soul" concert in DeVos Hall .
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