Sunday March 11, 2007
Singer James Brown's body placed in crypt at daughter's home
COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) - More than two months after he died, soul singer James Brown's body was placed in a crypt Saturday at the home of one of his daughters, though it likely will not be his final resting place.
Brown's body had been kept in a secret location during disputes over his estate.
He died Dec. 25 at age 73.
The Rev. Al Sharpton presided over the private ceremony held for family and a few friends at the home of Deanna Brown Thomas.
Also attending were Brown's partner, Tomi Rae Hynie, and the couple's young son.
"This is what James wanted, for the family to come together. Everyone really felt like James was there with us,'' Hynie told The Associated Press by phone.
Brown's children decided to use their own money to place his body in the crypt instead of waiting for the disputes to be resolved, Sharpton said in a statement.
"The children wanted to see their father entombed in a resting place without delay,'' Sharpton said.
But a longtime friend of Brown and trustee of his estate was disappointed by the service.
The trustees had made arrangements for Brown to be laid to rest at no cost at a "very prominent memorial garden,'' Buddy Dallas said. "Mr. Brown's not deserving of anyone's backyard.''
Long legal battles between Brown's children, Hynie and Brown's trustees likely will occur before a planned museum and mausoleum for Brown can be built.
Brown's children wanted to consult with Elvis Presley's family to see how they transformed his home into Graceland after Presley's death.
Saturday's service was in sharp contrast to elaborate funerals for the Godfather of Soul held in the days after his death in New York and Georgia, where more than 8,500 people filled an arena bearing his name.-AP
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