Whitney Houston's funeral to be 'invites only'

The body of Whitney Houston arrives at Whigham Funeral Home. Photo / AP

Whitney Houston's funeral will take place on Sunday.

The 48-year-old singer - who was found underwater and unconscious at the Beverly Hilton hotel last weekend - will be laid to rest at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey at midday local time.

Her body was flown into Teterboro airport yesterday and driven to the Whingham Funeral Home in a gold hearse.

Carolyn Whingham, from the funeral home - which also dealt with the passing of Whitney's father - stated only those with invites would be able to attend the funeral.

She told reporters: "They have shared her for 30 some years with this city, with the state, with the world. This is their time now for their farewell.

"The family thanks all the fans, the friends, and the media, but this time is their private time."

Whitney first discovered she could sing at the church as a child, and also learned how to play the piano there.

Her mother Cissy Houston led the music there for many years and her cousin Dionne Warwick also sang as part of its choir.

- BANG! Showbiz