Ouachita County Louisiana Archives Obituaries.....HEMPHILL, LABREESKA December 9, 2015
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GINA BROWN rootsgirl36@gmail.com January 11, 2016, 7:28 pm

News Star World - December 13, 2015
LABREESKA HEMPHILL

LaBreeska Hemphill, beloved matriarch of the gospel singing family, The 
Hemphills, died Wednesday, December 9, 2015, in Nashville, TN at the age of 
75, after a two year battle with brain cancer.

Born in 1940 in Flat Creek, Alabama, LaBreeska made her entrance into music, 
singing with her family, the Happy Goodman Family, when at the age of 9, she 
appeared onstage at the Ryman Auditorium during the monthly all­night gospel 
sings.

In 1957, LaBreeska married Joel Hemphill of West Monroe, LA and they became 
very active in the church Joel's father pastored. Soon they began to travel 
and sing when Joel answered the call to ministry, evangelized briefly and 
settled down to pastor a church in Bastrop.

In 1966, Joel & LaBreeska signed their first recording contract as a duet with 
Canaan Records, a division of Word, at that time the world's largest Gospel 
music company.

Mrs. Hemphill rose to prominence as a member of The Hemphills, ministering 
across the globe in concerts and revivals, and helped them achieve the status 
of a legendary Gospel group. A reviewer for the Washington Post attended one 
of their concerts at Constitution Hall and wrote, "Mrs. Hemphill has a 
powerful and convincing voice and The Hemphills do not have one 'sit still' 
song in their repertoire."

Garnering eight Dove Awards, The Hemphills dominated the music charts in the 
1970's, 80's and 90's - fueled by the emotive, strong vocals of LaBreeska 
Hemphill. She was perhaps known most for the hits "I Claim The Blood," 
"Grandma's Rocking Chair," and "Unfinished Task" - her soul­stirring voice 
touching the hearts of those listening. In 2011, LaBreeska along with her 
husband, was inducted into the Louisiana's Delta Music Hall of Fame in 
Ferriday.

In addition to her music, Mrs. Hemphill was an author of four published 
inspirational books, which were well received and life changing for many. Her 
latest, about Joel's upbringing, is titled "Can Anything Good Come Out Of 
Bawcomville?"

To know LaBreeska was to experience her bountiful expressions of love and 
happiness ­ spreading the joy of Jesus to each person she met. Whether on 
stage, at church or downtown, LaBreeska would greet you with a smile and a 
kind, encouraging word.

In addition to Joel, LaBreeska is survived by two sons, Joel Hemphill Jr. 
(Joey), Trent Hemphill and daughter, Candy Hemphill Christmas. There are also 
six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, other precious family, and a 
multitude of music fans and friends around the world.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, December 14, 2015 at Living 
Way Apostolic Church. Interment will follow at Hasley Cemetery. Visitation 
will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM Sunday, December 13, 2015 at the 
church under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home West Monroe.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

Kilpatrick Funeral Home

West Monroe, LA

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