Real Talk January 15, 2021
Gospel Singer Duranice Pace Has Passed Away at 62
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Duranice Pace, a preacher and singer who was part of the family gospel group The Anointed Pace Sisters, has passed away at age 62.
According to Variety, Pace passed away on Thursday, per her family.
Earlier this month, on January 5, the musician's team announced that Pace had been hospitalized but did not provide any details about her health issues.
“Please keep the prayers, support and love coming as Duranice still fights and gets stronger in the hospital. She is eternally grateful for all of you and she can't wait to announce a special concert-event that she has been planning with a team of Broadway professionals,” the statement read.
Born in Atlanta, Pace was the eldest sister of the gospel group, made up of Phyllis Pace, June Pace-Martin, Melonda Pace, Dejuaii Pace, Leslie Pace, Latrice Pace, Lydia Pace, and recurring member LaShun Pace, who had a solo gospel career.
Four of their albums charted on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart, including “U-Know” at No. 2, “Access Granted” at No. 5, “My Purpose” at No. 17, and “Return” at No. 20.
In addition to her career as a vocalist, Pace traveled the world as a preacher. Per Music Crowns, she shared the gospel in South Korea, Las Vegas, California, New York, London, Italy, Australia, Japan, and Switzerland.
In a March 2020 interview with Voyage ATL, Pace opened up about how music shaped her upbringing.
“I got started when I was five years old. I was inspired by my father, who was a professional quartet singer for Gospel Starlight's and my mom, who sang during praise and worship what was then known as testimony service at church,” she said.
“My father would have rehearsal every Wednesday in our living room with his singing group, and my siblings and I would peep in on their rehearsals.”
After the heartbreaking news broke, several celebs, including our very own Loni Love, wrote touching tributes to Pace.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
RIH Gospel legend Duranice Pace🙏🏽💔 I just confirmed the news of her passing with one of her sisters. I last spoke to my dear friend, my sister, on Dec 15 from her hospital bed. She was in great spirits. So very upset now 🥺Will write something more thoughtful later #DuranicePace pic.twitter.com/s32CvuwqHD
@ShibaRussell
Steve Harvey, who interviewed Pace in 2019, also paid his respects.
Duranice Pace spoke favor into my life one day, at a time when I really needed it. She was one of those special souls. Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/CyLoVRJCX5
@IAmSteveHarvey
In addition to her siblings, Pace is survived her son, Demarcus Wardell Love.
Our condolences go out to Duranice's family and loved ones for their loss.
