This memorial was created in the memory of our beloved Sharon Hill who was born in Indianapolis, IN on 2nd February 1967 and passed away on 14th November 2014, 47 years of age.Whitney returns home today, to the place where it all began, and I urge us all, inside and outside, across the nation and around the world, to dry our tears, suspend our sorrow, and perhaps our anger, just long enough, just long enough to remember the sweet miracle of Whitney.Never forgetting that Cissy and Bobbi Kristina sit among us. Your mother and I had a lot in common.I know many at this moment are thinking, “Really?” [ Laughter from the audience. ] “She’s a girl, you’re a boy. You’re white, she’s black. But our sister could really sing. So what am I talking about? Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, they don’t have anything in common at all.” Well, you’d be wrong about that.We both grew up in the Baptist church. It wasn’t as big as this. My grandmother played the piano, and she led the choir and her two daughters. My mother and my aunt both sang in it . . .I can see her in my own mind running around here as a skinny little girl, knowing everyone, everyone’s business, knowing every inch of this place. I can also see her in trouble, too, trying to use that beautiful smile, trying to talk her way out of it, and Cissy not having any of it . . .At the height of her fame as a singer, I asked her to be my co-star in a movie called “The Bodyguard.” I thought she was the perfect choice, but the red flags came out immediately. Maybe I should think this over a bit! [ Laughs. ]