Jennifer Hudson mourns family

Nov 4, 2008, 9:40 GMT

Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce Knowles, Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah attended the memorial service for Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and nephew yesterday (03.11.08).

Jennifer looked "upset but managed to keep herself together" as she joined 450 mourners at Chicago's Apostolic Church of God to bid a final farewell to her mom Darnell Donerson, brother Jason Hudson and seven-year-old nephew Julian King, who were fatally shot last month.

The Oscar-winning actress entered the church with her fiance David Otunga, following a procession of two hearses and a horse-drawn carriage which carried Julian's coffin.

Once inside the building, Jennifer, 27, spent some time in front of the open caskets of her brother and nephew, before touching her mother and leaning down to kiss her.

A source said: "David was at Jennifer's side for the entire service, wiping her tears and holding her. Jennifer looked equally in shock and mournful throughout the service, but managed a smile when speakers shared their memories of her family.

"Jennifer looked upset but managed to keep herself together."

The service ended with a rendition of gospel hymn 'Your Grace and Mercy', sung by Fantasia Barrino - who won the third series of TV talent show 'American Idol', the programme which catapulted Jennifer to fame.

Fantasia walked down the aisle of the church as she sang. She ended up standing in front of Jennifer and her 31-year-old sister Julia, the mother of Julian, and singing directly to the pair while holding Jennifer's hand.

Another source revealed: "Jennifer managed a smile when speakers shared their memories of her family, and Fantasia brought the house down with her singing."

The funeral was followed by a horse-drawn carriage leading the procession to the Oak Woods Cemetery where the coffins were buried.