Priscilla McGruder: "Heaven's choir just got a soloist"

As Apostolic News staff writer, Aydin Coskun, perhaps put it best-- "Heaven's choir just got a soloist."

On Thursday, April 29, 2010 Sister Priscilla Elaine McGruder, 61, passed away at her home in Kennett, under the loving care of her family, friends, and hospice staff.

Deemed as "one of the most anointed gospel singers in the Christian movement," McGruder, wife of Bishop Carroll McGruder, played a vital role in putting First United Pentecostal Church of Kennett on the map and creating a gospel singing group that would grow to become widely recognized across the nation as "The McGruders."

Sis. McGruder had been re-diagnosed with cancer in recent years, after surviving a previous battle with cancer several years ago. Her songwriter husband, Carroll, also a cancer survivor, penned the song "From Heavens Point of View" inspired from circumstances surrounding Priscilla's first life threatening battle.

Throughout both battles with the life-threatening disease, Sis. McGruder, was known for her positive attitude, her passion and ministry, despite the challenges associated with her sickness.

According to the Zion Music Group, Sis. McGruder's illness eventually caused her healthcare plan to be changed from treatment to hospice, which saddened many. However, Priscilla remained an inspiration to all as her journey led her closer to the gates of heaven which she has so passionately sung about for her entire life.

For nearly 30 years, the McGruders have gained recognition for their music ministry, which, according to the Christian vocalists, "is founded in faith, fashioned by anointing, and fueled by spiritual fire."

From the farmlands of Indiana in the 1970's through Idaho and eventually on to Southeast Missouri, within the state's Bootheel territory, the McGruders goal has always remained the same "to lift up Jesus Christ through the message of the song."

Most describe Sis. McGruder's ministry as "a bold, spirit-anointed sound."

Priscilla's life of commitment to prayer has always been replicated throughout her gospel music. Some of the best known songs by she and her husband include "I'm Going Home With Jesus," "Saved," "I've Just Started Living," "Thanks," "I Lean On You, Lord," "A Great Homecoming," "From Heaven's Point of View" and "Most of All."

The McGruders have over the years extended their Southern Gospel style of music to new venues, taking them to a variety of locations including Branson, Missouri, where they lifted the name of Christ for two years.

According to their biography, they have also performed at some of the largest festivities in North America including the National Quartet Convention, Spiritfest, and repeatedly at the International Convention for the United Pentecostal Church International among others.

"The McGruders work as one and for one purpose: to be a restoration vehicle for people to actually get to know Christ. Those who attend one of their concerts are forever changed," the biography reads.

As both a musical artist, and Christian minister, Sis. McGruder has received several awards, and has been acknowledged many times for her works of faith. She has been elevated to a level of acceptance experienced by very few, according to Zion Music Group.

"When she walks the aisles of a concert or service she opens spiritual doors and builds bridges leading straight to Calvary. Her life of commitment to prayer is mirrored in her music," Zion Music Group adds.

Throughout her gospel singing career, and in the wake of her battles with Cancer, individuals all over the world who know Sis. McGruder have followed her journeys, and shared their love and appreciation for her works.

Priscilla is honored, and now remembered, through many Internet Web sites including the McGruder's own Web site, as well as MySpace, Facebook, and through other media outlets.

On MySpace ( http://www.myspace.com/mcgruders), 833 followers are currently listed. Facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/People-Praying-for-Carroll-Priscilla-Mcgruder) reports nearly 4,000 praying for Sis. McGruder and her family. Additional friends of the McGruders, as well as, memorial tribute videos and editorial/columns dedicated to Priscilla can be viewed at Web sites such as www.mcgruders.net, and www.apostolicnews.org/2010/04/sis-priscilla-mcgruder-videos/.

Visitation services for Sis. McGruder will be from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday, May 4, 2010, at The First United Pentecostal Church in Kennett.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at The First United Pentecostal Church in Kennett with Revs. Kenneth Haney and Don Sheerin officiating.

Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery at Kennett.

McDaniel Funeral Service of Kennett is in charge of the arrangements.

A partial obituary is published in on the Daily Record, Page 5, today, in the Daily Dunklin Democrat, with additional information expected to be forthcoming.

Additional details or information regarding Sis. Priscilla McGruder may also be available at www.kennettupc.com.