Fans and admirers of the music legend,Whitney Houston waited patiently at the nearby streets as the funeral was underway at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey.

Aretha Franklin, who was expected to sing at the service, could not participate in the funeral service as she is reportedly too ill to attend the ceremony.

Queen Latifah, Mariah Carey, Oprah Winfrey, Forrest Whittaker and many other celebrities are among the guests who are already at the New Hope Baptist Church.

Take a look at the latest scenes outside the church:

Whitney Houston
Newark Police officers watch as Houston's hearse arrives at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark on 18/02/2012. Reuters
Whitney Houston
A poster of the late singer Houston hangs on sign post near the New Hope Baptist Church before her funeral service in Newark. Reuters
Whitney Houston
Reverend Jesse Jackson walks to the New Hope Baptist Church for the funeral service for the late singer Whitney Houston in Newark. Reuters
Whitney Houston
Frame grab shows hearse carrying the casket of late singer Whitney Houston,arriving at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark. Reuters
Whitney Houston
Limousine drives to the New Hope Baptist Church for Whitney Houston's funeral service in Newark. Reuters
Whitney Houston
Vendor selling buttons near New Hope Baptist Church where funeral service for late singer Whitney Houston was to take place in Newark. Reuters
Whitney Houston
Frame grab shows aerial view of funeral procession for Whitney Houston in Newark. Reuters
Whitney Houston
Members of media stand at Sussex Street near New Hope Baptist Church where funeral service for the late singer Houston will take place in Newark. Reuters