The church called the event—which had more of a celebratory than a somber tone—a "home going" ceremony.

Three police officers escorted Houston's silver casket, which was draped with white roses and purple lilies, according to CBS News. Gov. Chris Christie, who attended the ceremony, had ordered flags flown at half-staff Feb. 18 for Houston.

One news camera was allowed to record the proceedings. Houston's cousin, singer Dionne Warwick, presided over the event.

Filmmaker Tyler Perry noted Houston's "grace that kept on carrying her all the way through, the same grace led her all the way to the top of the charts. She sang for presidents."

Kevin Costner, Houston's co-star in the blockbuster movie The Bodyguard, said, "Whitney if you can hear me now, you weren't just good enough—you were great."

Among the celebrities who attended were Jennifer Hudson, Chaka Khan, Brandy, Jordin Sparks, Oprah Winfrey, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Roberta Flack and Houston's mentor, Clive Davis. Aretha Franklin, a close family friend ( not Houston's godmother, as widely reported ) , was slated to sing at the ceremony, but was reportedly too ill to attend.

Bobby Brown, Houston's ex-husband, walked out after a dispute over seating arrangements, according to CNN.com . In a statement, he said, in part, "We were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions. ... In light of the events, I gave a kiss to the casket of my ex-wife and departed as I refused to create a scene."

Stevie Wonder performed his hit "Ribbon in the Sky," one of Houston's favorite songs by him; he altered the lyrics to honor her. He also sang "Love's In Need of Love." R. Kelly, CeCe Winans and Alicia Keys also performed.

Houston was laid to rest Feb. 19 in Westfield, N.J. She was buried next to her father.

Daughter with drugs?

According to The Daily Beast, Houston's daughter, Bobbi Kristina Houston Brown, was reportedly found using drugs hours after her mother's funeral.

Several hours after the funeral, a source said Bobbi Kristina was located at a hotel "getting high." However, a family spokesperson denied the claim, adding, "There was some confusion about Bobbi Kristina's whereabouts [ Feb. 18 ] for a short time, but she's OK. She needed some time alone. She is going through a very hard time, as you can expect."

Houston's godmother, singer Darlene Love, also denied the report, saying on Today Feb. 20 that Bobbi Kristina "was with the family the whole time."