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BORN
1940
DIED
2015
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LaBreeska Hemphill Obituary
Springfield, TN
LaBreeska Hemphill, beloved matriarch of the gospel singing family, The Hemphills, died Wednesday, December 9, 2015, in Nashville, TN at the age of 75.
Born in 1940 in Flat Creek, Alabama, a small coal-mining town, to Walter Erskine Rogers and Gussie Mae Goodman Rogers, LaBreeska made her entrance into a world of 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 " all-night gospel sings."
Due to her Christian upbringing and personal commitment, faith and values as well as the music of that faith, was a constant in LaBreeska's life.
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 the neighboring town of Bastrop, LA.
In 1966, Joel & LaBreeska signed their first recording contract as a duet with Canaan Records, a division of Word Records, the world's largest music company at that time.
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 in the 1970's 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 GMA 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. For over 20 years, The Hemphills maintained an average number 8 song in Gospel music's respected chart, earning 6 number one hits with the all-time greatest hit, "He's Still Working On Me" which remained at No. 1 for eight consecutive months and was the song of the year for 1981.
LaBreeska was perhaps known most, musically, for the hits "I Claim The Blood," "Grandma's Rocking Chair," and "Unfinished Task" - her soul-stirring voice touching the hearts of those listening.
In addition to her music, Mrs. Hemphill was an accomplished author of four published inspirational books, which were well received and life changing for many.
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 in the grocery store, LaBreeska would greet you with a smile and a kind, encouraging word.
"For 58 years, my bride and companion, stood with me through ups and downs, joy and pain, tears and prayers, and I will miss her greatly," said husband Joel Hemphill. "Although we have lost her earthly presence, I know I will see her again. I know where she's headed, and that's what counts! I love you, sweetheart, see you soon. You've finished well."
The legacy of LaBreeska Hemphill will live on through her family - Joel Hemphill, Joel Hemphill Jr. (Joey), Trent Hemphill (Hemphill Brothers Coach Company) and Candy Hemphill Christmas (The Bridge Ministry / Resting Place Church).
In addition to her husband Joel, Mrs. Hemphill is survived by sister Jane Burks, brother Buddy Rogers, son Trent Hemphill and wife Bethni Hemphill, grandchildren William Hemphill, Madeleine Hemphill Shore and husband Caleb Shore; son Joel Hemphill Jr. (Joey) and wife Sue Ann Hemphill, grandchildren Taylor Hemphill Locke and husband Daniel Locke and Sarah Kate Hemphill; daughter Candy Christmas and husband Kent Christmas, grandchildren Nicholas Christmas, Jasmine Christmas Brady and husband Jon Michael Brady, and Joshua Christmas and wife Carrie Christmas; along with a host of nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and a multitude of music fans and friends across the world.
Visitation will take place at Anderson & Garrett Funeral Home in Joelton, TN on Thursday December 10th from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and again on Saturday at Christ Church in Brentwood, TN from 1 p.m. until the hour of service at 2 p.m. with Bro. Johnny Minick officiating. Additional service are planned and will take place in West Monroe, LA., Kilpatrick Funeral Home is in charge of those arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for LaBreeska Hemphill
Margie Lucille Fenley Hartman
March 9, 2023
I completely loved this family. I thought that LaBreska Hemphill was one of the prettiest women that I have ever looked on. I said she is just too pretty to die. Such beautiful music to leave behind. I will see you soon LaBriska on the stormy side of Jordon where the big tree hits the big rolling curve. I will bring my mom and a few others and we will just visit and sing. Margie Hartman
Anthony Daniel Martinez
December 18, 2021
Labreeska meant the world to me/ especially "An Unfinished Task" which I love to listen. I am from Trinidad in the Caribbean and had listened to her on Radio Paradise and wrote to her. I received the Album and played it day after day; especially the song; an unfinished task! I lives in my heart until this time!
DavidMeeks
January 3, 2021
I had the privilege to meet the hemphills in person and what a charming family and labreeska will be missed by all who loved southern gospel music.to the family may God give u peace of mind in knowing where she is.
Alan Jones
December 7, 2019
We never met but I miss you my friend .
Rick Linam
December 10, 2015
I was in the First Apostolic Church when You all came to sing several times May GOD be with You in this Time
February 6, 2016
We miss u. Hope to be with u again soon. Love Don & Mary.
RANDY BRANDENBURG
February 5, 2016
such a wonderful sweet woman who will be missed
Alan Jones
January 9, 2016
I just now heard about Labreeska's passing.Please accept my deepest sympathy. She gave us so many great memories on the Gaither videos.
Alan Jones
Debbie Brown Daigle
January 3, 2016
Dear Mr. Joel,
I was sorry to hear of your loss. My father loved you and LeBreeska so much and I was going thru some of his things in December and found pictures of you all and a beautiful card. She was one of the most beautiful and faithful ladies I ever met. You are both wonderful people and while I know words cant fill your void just know I am sorry but we all know she is with the Lord and singing with her beautiful voice for him.
Sincerely Love
Debbie Brown Daigle (Dwights oldest daughter)
Ray and Linda Johnson
December 16, 2015
Our deepest heartfelt sympathy to Joel and LaBreeska's entire family, and a multitude of friends. May God's love surround you and give you comfort and peace as you deal with the loss of this precious loved one. Our loss is Heavens gain, and we can look forward to seeing her again when we too, one day step from this world and into our eternal home in Heaven when we reach our goal. So it's not goodbye, but it's we will see you a little later LaBreeska! Love and Prayers for you all.
Larry Sexton
December 15, 2015
Heaven never welcomed a sweeter lady, they sang at my church in buhl alabama, she was a blessing as the whole family was wouldn't take any thing for that memory. Now she knows the secret .
John Peters
December 15, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with your family, Joel.
May God Bless you all.
special friends
Betty (Hogland) Dickson
December 14, 2015
LaBreeska, my precious friend,
How sad I am to say goodbye to you again. Yet, I thank God that we were able to renew our very deep friendship after years of losing track of each other. I treasure every minute of the time we had together and our phone/email chats. You will always have a special place in my heart. I loved you so very much...I still do. I will see you again in Heaven. What a joyous reunion that will be!
To Joel and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of loss. You have been blessed beyond measure to have such a special person for your life partner and mom. It was a pleasure to meet you all. I know your heart is broken and I pray that God will comfort you and give you peace.
Betty (Hogland) Dickson
December 14, 2015
LaBreeska, my precious friend,
How sad I am to say goodbye to you again. Yet, I thank God that we were able to renew our very deep friendship after years of losing track of each other. I treasure every minute of the time we had together and our phone/email chats. You will always have a special place in my heart. I loved you so very much...I still do. I will see you again in Heaven. What a joyous reunion that will be!
To Joel and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of loss. You have been blessed beyond measure to have such a special person for your life partner and mom. It was a pleasure to meet you all. I know your heart is broken and I pray that God will comfort you and give you peace.
Psalm 91
K. Michael Shiflett
December 14, 2015
Joel, Joey, Trent and Candy...Your Mom will be sorely missed. She was such a blessing. Thanks to all of you for the years of faithfulness to the Lord and his people. I will forever hold fond memories of the times long ago when you guys showed us such kind friendship. We love ya'll...Mike Shiflett
Sherry Carver
December 14, 2015
Although I never actually crossed paths with this beautiful lady, I felt God's presence just watching her. It was so apparent that she was an ambassador of our Lord. My sympathy goes out to the whole Hemphill family as you mourn the loss of such a fabulous child of God. I urge you as Paul did in Thessalonians: Grieve, but not as those who have no hope. You will see her again and I will also see her when we are all made perfect. Maybe I will get to sing with her. I wish you all love and happiness to see you past your time of sorrow. As quickly as the years are passing, it won't be long.
Teresa Smith
December 14, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hemphill family. God has gained another voice in His choir of Angels.
Naomi Auttonberry
December 13, 2015
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Don & Mary with all our love.
December 13, 2015
Jim Spiegel
December 13, 2015
Labreeska is in Jehovah God's memory. We will be with her and see her in perfect form after the resurrection.
Wesley Yeldell
December 12, 2015
Well where do I begin my heart is aching over the loss of LaBreeska Hemphill. My deepest sympathies go out to her entire family. Joel, Candy, Joey and Trent please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I just pray that God will wrap his arms around each one you and comfort you during this difficult time. I will always remember my time traveling with the Singing Hemphill's. I don't think I ever knew two people that were anymore in love than Joel and LaBreeska Hemphill, when they were in one another's present (which was most of the time) they both just gleamed. LaBreeska could just light up a room when she walked in she had the biggest smile and personality of anyone I have ever known. I know the loss that I am feeling and ya'll's loss has to be multiplied at least a thousand times. She will always be remembered in the hearts of those who ever met her.
Marjorie Presley
December 11, 2015
I'm sorry for your loss. I enjoyed the week I spent in their home as a child. They really went above and beyond when I won the alligator hunt. I'll never forget them.
James Nyangute
December 11, 2015
We will miss you dearly for a short while hope meeting in the kingdom.
Sarah Tyler
December 11, 2015
Ms. Labreeska was such a beautiful woman of God...on the inside, as well as the outside. Her dedication and love for our Lord was so evident in her life. The Light of the World truly shown bright through her. May the Lord comfort and carry you, her beloved family, at this time. Truly, we will see her again!
Brenda Bural
December 11, 2015
Your family has been part of my family through your music, I've listened to it for year and even sang some of your songs. I know you will be missed. My heart goes out to your family. Blessed through your music.
Pat McCollum
December 11, 2015
what a wonderful family governed by a wonderful wife and mother. my heart goes out to this fine family at this time. we all know where she will be see again. peace and love always
Ed and Rebecca Irwin
December 10, 2015
Dear Brother Joel: We've been so truly blessed to know you, hear the many beautiful songs you've written, hear you preach and the family sing, and worship together at Smyrna River of Life. Our prayers are with you one and all.
cory Shaull
December 10, 2015
Joel, you and your family are in our prayers. We enjoyed our time with you both at Guthrie Grove Church in S.C. and at our Christian workers seminars in Pigeon Forge. We are blessed to have known LaBreeska. Cory and Jim Shaull
Bill and Bonnie Miller
December 10, 2015
Our hearts are sad for the family, and the whole world.
We didn't lose this precious soul. When you know where someone is, you haven't lost them.
Heaven gained another singer.
Love this family. ❤
Mark Grisham
December 10, 2015
LaBreska was a shining light.
A 1000 watt personality. Loved by all grishamkind. The Hemphill family has been a part of our lives since they ministered in Tulsa at my boyhood church. LaBreska is remembered fondly by a massive audience if admirers. I cherish my memories of this grand lady. Her legacy and smile lives on in the hearts of her great family. Our most tender thoughts and prayers for all who mourn her loss, and already miss her joyful, loving and caring ways.
Jenny Simpkins
December 10, 2015
What a Blessing this wonderful lady has been to so many people. Now she is blessing the Angels in Heaven with that beautiful smile and voice. My prayers are with the family during this time of loss. My God hold you in his loving arms with great comfort.
Gail Anderson-Weiser
December 10, 2015
My sincere condolences to your family. Labreeska was a dear lady, and raised wonderful kids. We all know she's in Heaven, where we will meet again. Love and Prayers
Paul Shaw
December 10, 2015
I was blessed by your singing and book. You will be missed.
December 10, 2015
I'm sorry to hear of the loss of such a talented singer Mrs. Labreeska Hemphill, my sincerest condolences to her husband and family. I'm sure she took great comfort in Jesus words: "Happy are the mild tempered since they will inherit the earth" Matthew 5:5
JP
December 10, 2015
My deepest condolences to your family and friends. Our heavenly father has made many wonderful promises he will soon fulfill, one of which is to bring back to life all those in his memory. John 5:25
Dayton, Ohio
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