Whitney Houston
A poster of the late singer Houston hangs on sign post near the New Hope Baptist Church before her funeral service in Newark. Reuters

Whitney Houston had a rousing funeral service with her family, friends and former colleagues singing, bringing cheerful memories of her alive.

It was a celebration of Nippy's life, as she was affectionately called by her close relatives, at the New Hope Baptist Church on February 18.

"God said it's time, Nippy. Your work is done," read a note in the ceremony's printed programme written by her mother, Cisssy Houston, reported the Telegraph.

Up to 1,500 guests attended the private ceremony with many of Houston's friends singing and delivering memorial speeches.

Here are some quotes from the memorial speeches during Whitney Houston's funeral service:

Clive Davis - Music producer and Houston's mentor

"It was like old times and she looked at me and quietly said: 'I want you to know, I'm getting in shape…I'm committed to getting my voice back. I'll be ready by August'".

"You wait for a voice like that for a lifetime. You wait for a face like that, a smile like that, a presence like that, for a lifetime. And when one person embodies it all it takes your breath away. Music was her passion. Whitney lived music. Whitney loved music".

Kevin Costner- Whitney Houston's co-star in "The Bodyguard"

"The Whitney I knew, despite her worldwide fame, still wondered 'Am I good enough? Am I pretty enough? Will they like me?' It was the burden that made her great, and the part that caused her to stumble in the end."

"Whitney, if you could hear me now, I would tell you: You weren't just good enough, you were great. People didn't just like you, Whitney, they loved you".

Patricia Houston – Whitney Houston's sister-in-law

"She was someone with a charmed and a beautiful life, sometimes misunderstood, even by herself".

Alicia Keys – Singer and Houston's friend

"She was a beautiful human being - really caring, beautiful, thoughtful. She's an angel to us and a beautiful human being. I think we've been sent an angel for a long time."

Cory Booker- Newark mayor

"God is in our heaven, and with him is one of our angels, Whitney Houston. We love you, Whitney, thank you".

Tyler Perry- Singer and Houston's friend

"Whitney Houston loved the lord, and in every conversation we had over the years it was evident that she loved the lord. Nothing separated her from the love of God. If there was a grace that carried her all the way through, it was the same grace that carried her home. God bless you Whitney, we love you so much".