Tag: Southern Gospel Radio

Texas Gospel Canada is saddened to learn of the passing of James Easter.

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DAVID INGRAM

James Easter, a long-established name in Bluegrass Gospel Music, has passed away.

James was a Gospel musician, writer and minister.  He was a founding member of The Easter Brothers along with his brothers Russell and Edd. For more than six decades they sang Gospel music and recorded at least 22 albums. (Note: We’re confident The Easter Brothers recorded more, this accounting includes the ones in our Gospel music library.)

James was the father of Jeff Easter of Jeff and Sheri Easter.  Jeff announced his father’s passing on Facebook with a brief post saying, “A tired and weary soldier has fought the battle true, he now lays down his weapon, his fighting is all through.” Daddy is now resting in the arms of Jesus. Thank you for all of your prayers for our family.”

James’ death comes just under three years since the passing of Edd Easter, and a little more than a year since the passing of the elder Easter Brother Russell.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Pastor Robb Tripp, son of LaVerne & Edith Trip, dies at 57

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Janet Johnson

Robb Tripp, pastor of the Fireplace Fellowship Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee, passed away the afternoon of December 7, 2021.  He was the son of LaVerne & Edith Trip and well-known among Southern Gospel artists.

A post by the family on the church’s Facebook page says, “Robb will truly be missed but we will continue the work he has been faithful to do these last 18 years!”

A home going Celebration of Life Service is set for Friday, December 10. A livestream will be provided.

Pastor Robb Tripp was 57.

Dianne Wilkinson, loved Southern Gospel songwriter, passes away

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Jeff Turner

Southern Gospel music lost one of its most prolific songwriters late Tuesday.  Dianne Wilkinson went to be with her Lord after losing a a battle with an illness.

“She is going to the place she has written about to see the One who came to save us and all those that she loves that have gone on before, pray for us. It’s hard to say goodbye but we have the blessed hope of seeing her again. I’ll update everyone when I can. Would be a good day to kick up gold dust for this precious Saint,” said her niece in a post to Dianne’s Facebook page.

Dianne quickly rose to the attention of Southern Gospel fans and singers in the 1970’s. By December 2016 she had published her 1,000th song. Through the years she’s been nominated for prestigious awards including SGMA songrwriter of the year, Singing News fan awards, NQC Songwriter of the year, and others.  In 2013 she received the Southern Gospel Music Guild Lifetime Achievement Award putting her in the company of artists such as Ronnie Hinson, Rodney Griffin, Phil Cross and Squire Parsons.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

ON THE WEB:

Singing News: Beloved Award-Winning Songwriter Dianne Willkinson passes away

Southern Gospel Scoops: Heaven just got sweeter

James Easter taken to ICU with COVID-19

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David Ingram

James Easter of the Easter Brothers has been admitted to the ICU as he battles COVID-19 according to a statement released Tuesday by Daywind Records.

James is the father of Jeff Easter of Jeff and Sheri Easter. A post on their facebook page says, “Yesterday, they admitted our daddy, James, to the hospital because he tested positive for Covid. This morning, they are moving him to ICU so that he can get the best possible care. Through the years, we’ve witnessed thousands of benefits from collective prayer and we are asking this morning that you would join us in praying for him, for his healing, for his nurses’/doctors’ wisdom, for peace and strength. —Jeff and family”

An update from Jeff and Sheri says James’ wife Denise has also tested positive for COVID-19.

No other information has been released. Texas Gospel Canada will update this story as we learn more.

Family seeks prayer for Dianne Wilkinson

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Jeff Turner

The family of loved Southern Gospel songwriter Dianne Wilkinson says she is in “grave condition,” and asking for prayer according to a statement released Tuesday by Daywind Records. No other information was released by Daywind.

“Can I ask you all to say a prayer for a precious friend and co-writer I am privileged to have affectionally called MAMMA DI in my life? She is dear to so many. I am just one person touched by her amazing life. Her niece says she is close to seeing the Jesus she has been writing about all of these years… I LOVE YOU Dianne Wilkinson SO SO SO much,” said Donna King in a Facebook post.

Texas Gospel Canada will relay any further information released by Daywind.

Wilkinson has written Gospel songs since the 1970’s. Her first recorded song was “Behold the Lamb” Released by the Song Masters in 1976. She has received and been nominated for many top awards since then including Songwriter of the year, GMA song of the year and the BMI Award for most songs played in a given year.