Hundreds of friends and family, including many celebrities, lined up early Monday morning to enter Apostolic Church Of God for the Hudson family funeral services, which sources described as more of a song and prayer session than a funeral.
By 8 a.m., many were already waiting in line to say goodbye to actress Jennifer Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson; her brother, Jason Hudson; and her 7-year-old nephew, Julian King.
A source close to the family said talk show host Oprah, R&B singer Usher, actor Queen Latifah, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jesse Jackson and Mayor Richard Daley were among those attending the private funeral services. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Missy Elliott, Ciara, Clive Davis and Patti LaBelle were also in attendance.
Those who attended the services said Jennifer Hudson maintained her composure and wanted the day to be about remembering.
Hudson's American Idol friend, Fantasia Barrino, reportedly sang the gospel song "His Grace." Sources say the wake was open casket for all three Hudson family members.
The funeral was by invitation only, with each attendee required to present a ticket to get into the church.
The media was not allowed inside the service and was kept away from the church.
Donerson and Jason Hudson were found shot to death inside their Englewood home on Oct. 24. Julian's body was found shot in the head, inside the family's SUV on the West Side three days later.
Authorities recovered the 45-caliber pistol used in the murders about a block away from where Julian's body was found.
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Jennifer Hudson's brother in law; who is estranged from the family is a person of interest in the murders and is being held on a parole violation.
