Aretha Franklin farewells continue at her father's church

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‍Before the world marks the end of Aretha Franklin's life at her funeral Friday, fans gathered a day early to celebrate her in the place where her faith was forged and her voice was first discovered, singing signature gospel classics like "Amazing Grace" and "Precious Lord."

The line for the public viewing at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, stretched several blocks on Thursday afternoon.

Fans wearing a variety of T-shirts bearing Franklin's image mourned her loss with a smile. There were spontaneous bursts into song, and cheers for the Queen of Soul as they waited to enter the sanctuary.

Sheila Williams, center, raises her arm and sings with others standing outside New Bethel Baptist Church as a viewing for Aretha Franklin is held inside, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Detroit. /AP Photo

Shouts of "We love you!", "Ree Ree!" and "Let the Queen through!" could be heard as the white 1940s Cadillac hearse pulled up to the front of New Bethel.

The crowd jockeyed to snap photographs and cell phone videos of Franklin's bronze casket as it was taken into the church just before noon.

"I had to be here," said Joyce E. Stroud, who traveled from Florida to say goodbye to the icon she first met at a concert in California many years ago.

People stand in a line stretching for blocks outside New Bethel Baptist Church to pay their respects to legendary singer Aretha Franklin Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Detroit. /AP Photo

"I met Aretha when I was 23-years-old in San Francisco at the Fillmore West when she did that historic three-day concert," Stroud said. "That was the first time I was introduced to her and I've been a lifelong fan."

Several dignitaries were also expected to pay their respects at Thursday's viewing, which was opened to the public after the tremendous outpouring of support throughout the week.

The sight would've been truly humbling, even for a diva, said Michael Eric Dyson, a friend of Franklin's who attended the New Bethel viewing and will deliver remarks at her service.

Fans stand behind a barrier outside New Bethel Baptist Church as a viewing for Aretha Franklin is held inside on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Detroit. /AP Photo

"She would be deeply honored and appreciative of the fact that people, for three days, have poured out of every vestibule and crevice of this city and country to travel long miles to recognize her genius."

Ever the performer, Franklin gave viewers yet a third outfit change - this time, a sparkling rose gold gown. Matching earrings complimented short cropped curls, and the ensemble was completed with gold-sequined Christian Louboutin heels. She has also worn head-to-toe red in honor of her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, and baby blue.

The Swanson Funeral Home has declined to say what Franklin's final outfit will be for Friday's service, but it will almost certainly be different. The funeral is expected to begin at 10 a.m. at Greater Grace Temple and will last at least five hours.

(Cover photo: People gather outside New Bethel Baptist Church before a viewing for Aretha Franklin, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, in Detroit, US. /AP Photo)

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Source(s): AP