Detroit, Michigan (July 6, 1931 – November 19, 2017) age 86

Della Reese, born Delloreese Patricia Early, was a singer, actress, television personality, author and ordained minister. She recorded blues, gospel, jazz and pop. Several of her singles made the US Hot 100, including the number two charting song, “Don’t You Know?” (1959). As a television personality and actress, she was the first black woman to host her own talk show. She also appeared on the highly-rated CBS television series Touched by an Angel. Reese sang in her church’s choir. Gospel entertainer Mahalia Jackson discovered her. Jackson took Reese on tour for several years. Reese joined a gospel group called ’The Meditation Singers’ before turning her attention towards secular music. Rev. Dr. Della Reese officially became an ordained minister in 1987 and founded her own church called Understanding Principles for Better Living. The “Up Church” is under Rev. Johnnie Coleman’s Universal Foundation for Better Living.